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SAUL OF TARSUS 

A Religious Drama 



BY 
JOHN FIELDING CRIGLER 




BOSTON 

SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 

1914 



50^ 






DEC -^ \m 

CoPYaiGHT, 1914 
Sherman, French 6* Company 



CLA388771 
44^ J . 



TO 
MY FATHER 

JASON CORNELIUS CRIGLER 

THE SOUL OF HONOR 
AND A LOVER OF TRUTH 



FOREWORD 

I take my pen and now begin to write 
The foreword to a story that's complete; 
Mixed motives prompted me in what I've done, 
The chief of which^ to magnify His Son; 
How well I've failed in what I undertook, 
All may judge who read this little book. 
St. Paul is the central theme of my lay; 
He is pure gold, if all else is but clay. 
What liberties of speech I have assumed 
Were licensed by great poets now entombed; 
Let critics, then, be not greatly ired. 
If all that's said is not what they desired; 
Inspired writers sometimes say a deal 
That's uninspired; therefore do we feel 
It is not wrong to make them human, too. 
To help to match the false life with the true, 
And speak the things that unrecorded stand. 
But yet are true to what their hearts demand. 
Another purpose, too, had I in view, — 
To help my brother see the noble, true; 
And all the world to much more deeply feel 
The lastingness of each man's woe or weal; 
That here a chance is given every soul 
To win success and so complete the whole. 
And since a good example doth remain 
Of one who here did seek a lasting gain, 
I bid all men to come with me who can 
And see the doings of this matchless man. 



CONTENTS 

ACT PAGE 

I Saul in Tarsus 1 

II Saul in Jerusalem 43 

III Saul in Damascus 67 

IV Paul in Antioch 95 

V Paul in Corinth 127 

VI Paul in Ephesus 151 

VII Paul in Rome 177 



ACT I 
SAUL IN TARSUS 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 

Saul 

Father to Saul 

Mother to Saul 

Lydia, cousin to Saul 

Adelphus, friend to Saul and suitor to Lydia 

Marcella, Saul's lover 

Eunice, companion to Marcella 

PoMPEius, father to Marcella 

Decia, mother to Marcella 

Glaucus, brother to Marcella 

Flavius, suitor to Marcella 

Friends, servants, musicians, oflBcers. 



SCENE I 

Place: Tarsus. Hall in Pompeius' Palace. 
Present: Marcella and Eunice. 
[^Enters Saul] 

Saul 
Good morrow ! 

Marcella 
Good morrow ! What brought thee hither this 
untimely hour? 

Saul 
The weather, this auspicious weather — tempted 
me. 

Eunice 
[To Marcella] 
The weather, did he say, 
Tempted him, or did he tempt the weather? 

Saul 
Whew ! The heavens are convulsed ! 
The elements are at war! 
The trees are wrestling with the wind ! 
The clouds are angry with the earth! 



^aul of Cat0U0 



Thunder ! lightning ! torrents ! rivers ! 
Marcella must not venture out ! 

Marcella 

This weather is naught. Saul, I fear no dan- 
ger, none! 

Eunice 

Yes, 'tis tempting. He says, 'tis tempting. 

Saul 

I am tempted that thou mightest not be ; 
That none beneath this roof might venture out ; 
That no brave heart might yield to indiscretion 
And pay the price in hacking coughs and swift 
consumption. 

Marcella 
Indiscreet — cough — hacking — pshaw ! 
Adieu ! Adieu ! Saul will not venture out. 
He knows not indiscretion, ha ! ha ! ha ! 

[Ea^eunt Marcella and Saul after'] 

[Enter Pompeius and Decia] 

Decla. 

Where is Marcella.? 

Eunice 
Gone ! Teasing girl ! She would not hear nor 
heed. 



§)aul of Cat0U0 3 

Decia 
Was Saul displeased? 

Eunice 
His words were smooth ; his face bespoke it. 

Decia 

My inconsiderate child! 

Eunice 
A poor reward for all his pains. She loves him 
not! 

POMPEIUS 

What infidel is here? Who loves not? Who is 
not loved? 

Eunice 
Marcella loves. Saul is not loved. 

POMPEIUS 

Ah, whence hath goodly wisdom fled from thee 
That thou canst not behold the living truth ; 
Such unwarranted speech displeaseth me. 

Decia 
Dear impetuous child ! she's born to rashness. 
What a noble man is Saul ! How worthy 
To be loved, — brave, true, strong, pure, gal- 
lant! 
There was no lack when he was made. 



^aul of Cat0U0 



The virtues of all heaven did compete 
In generousness that this hipped time 
Might get a glimpse of sweet perfection. 

POMPEIUS 

Most amiable wife, thou speakest truly! 
There are no eyes in all free Tarsus 
With such depths ; no head so full of wit ; 
No voice so eloquent. 
His very manner bears conviction, 
Fair judgment sits enthroned upon his brow. 
And high ambition reigns within his heart. 
No lady ever walked these cobbled streets 
That would not gladly jump at such a chance — - 
A golden queen might sigh for such a bait. 
Eunice, speak! Why dost thou hesitate .^^ 
What cobwebs have found their way to thy 

brain 
That thou shouldst come to dreaming lies.'' 
Saul I dearly love ! And Decia loves ! 
And Marcella, her sweet love hath pledged 
Forever. Eunice! Thy reason.? 

Eunice 
My Lord will forbear me, 
As patience doth become a gentle prince? 
My mind is clear ; my vision knows no dimness ; 
Maidens dream but little in halcyon days ; 
Sir, wine, these lips have never tasted. 
And sweet reason lingers with me yet. 



^aul of Cat0U0 



Decia 
Acquaint us with thy reason ? Make haste ! 
Waste no time in juggling with fair words - 
speak to the point. 

Eunice 
Thou knowest my faithfulness to Marcella ; 
Trust me, then, as truly as thou knowest. 
As I love her, I seek her happiness ; 
When not commanded away, am always near - 
Last night, forsooth, I was commanded — 
My sweet lady would alone with Flavins — < 

heavens ! I was not so far away ; 

1 could not keep my ears from hearing, 
And hearing, my poor eyes would see. 

POMPEIUS 

And what didst thou hear? 
Decia 
And what didst thou see.? 

Eunice 
Full well you both do know how Flavins 
Is Glaucus' other-self — boon companions, 
Most lovable and devoted friends. 
Another David and his Jonathan ; 
Twins, forsooth, could not be nearer. 

Pompeius 
No preludes. 



6 ^ml of Car0U0 

Eunice 
One year ago, thou dost well remember, 
Much time Flavius spent beneath this roof. 
Then began his kindness to Marcella ; 
I felt it, I saw it troubled her. 
She seemed to wish that they had never met ; 
Yet when absent they have written constantly. 

POMPEIUS 

But what didst thou hear ? 

Eunice 
One month ago he returned from Rome ; 
Ever since he dwells within these walls. 
Here's where he's disadvantaged Saul; 
No sweet morsel has he her lips refused ; 
No glistening treasure her eager eyes denied. 
He's lavished her with boundless pleasures, — 
Sir, hast thou been blind? A Roman knight, 
Experienced in all worldly ways. 
Knows how to bend unto his wicked will 
The tender heart of sweet maidenhood. 
So simple are the highways and the by-ways 
To a girlish love. O guardians awake! 
That holy angels be not put aweeping. 

Decia 
Eunice ! He is the friend of Glaucus ; 
Then he must be kind to Glaucus' sister — 
He knows she is betrothed ! 'Tis but kindness. 



^aul of Cat0U0 



Eunice 
O heavens ! Had I never known such kind- 
ness — 
It wearies me. 

POMPEIUS 

Tell! What didst thou hear? Answer! 

Eunice 
Confession. He confessed. 
It was a smooth and sweet confession 
As though his lips were lined with roses 
And his tongue doubly dipped in honey ; 
He measured well the length and breadth 
And height and depth of love. 

Decia 
What did Marcella say? 

Eunice 
She could not say ; she looked believingly, 
Her spirit, like the ever restless sea 
Moved by a full-orbed moon, felt his power. 
She longed to be away ; she could not go. 
Her gentle nature seemed subdued. 

Decia 
And what didst thou see? 

Eunice 
Oh, shall I believe these eyes of mine? 
Love confessed: he took that lily hand, 



8 @iaul of Cat$u$ 

Pressed it to his lips, once! twice! thrice! 

I thought of Saul, — 'twas a most bitter 
thought, 

As though a poisoned arrow pierced the heart. 

At the first I sighed ; the second I groaned ; 

The third I cried aloud, " Saul ! Saul ! Mur- 
der!" 

Till they came to see if I were being murdered. 

Decia 

Pompeius ! 

POMPEIUS 

Be calm ; hasten not to borrow trouble. 

Decia 
If Saul should know this, all Tarsus — 

\^Enter Glaucus and Flavius, whistlvngy 
singing^ 

Glaucus 
What means this sober conference? 
Is Caesar ill? 

Flavius 
This coterie is incomplete. Where's Marcella? 

Pompeius 
Decia ! This is too gay a match. 

1 am not in mood. Come with me away ! 

[^Exeunt Pompeius and Decia] 



giaul of Car0U0 9 

Glaucus 
Eunice! Didst thou not hear Flavius ask the 

whereabouts of Marcella? 
If thou knowest, tell, and go ! 

Eunice 
Sir, she's with her own beloved Saul — 
Perhaps in her studio, maybe at his home — 
to return I know not, except at her own 
sweet will. 

Glaucus 
The Jews ! 

Flavius 
The Jews, damn 'em ! Ten thousand times had 

I rather be a heathen 
With a red head and a Roman nose than a mon- 
grel Jew. 
[Eait Eunice] 

Glaucus 
Tell, dear Flavius, pray, why should this house 
Be so partial to an insanguine Jew.? 
There are nobler knights of our kith and kin. 
Saul did oft outstrip me in the schools, 
Carried away the laurels in debate, — 
Is not this food enough for malice.? 
And yet he is loved and honored here. 

Flavius 
My dear Glaucus, thou must pardon me 



10 ©aul of Cat0U0 

If I reveal what I have cherished 
In my inmost heart for many days. 
If the gods so will, then by your leave 
Saul shall yet be outdone in this city and in this 
very house. 

Glaucus 
I pledge. 

Flavius 
Come, let us away, where with wine and music 
We may make our plans, and swear our fealty 

to them. 

[Exit] 



SCENE II 

Place: Home of Saul. Drawing Room. 
[Enter Lydia and Adelphus] 

Adelphus 
Where is Saul to-night? 

Lydia 
'Tis hard, perchance, to guess the ways of men, 
But should I guess a thousand times. 
Every time would I guess — with Marcella. 

Adelphus 
I love the way you guess. Let it be so ! 

Lydia 

To my knowledge, not a single night 

For a whole year has worn a wee 

Without he's proved his fondness and devotion. 

In love he bounds excess. In all things else 

He's temperate. But let a man leap 

The bounds in one thing only, he will be loved. 

And if he can outlove, in love — glory ! 

The world will reverence and adore him — 

Eternity shall mark him for a crown. 
11 



12 @)aul of Car0U0 

Adelphus 
Speak on, sweet love! I love to hear thee 

speak ; 
Thou dost plead my ample cause far better 
Than it could e'er be pleaded by myself. 
Thank heavens, that not a single candle 
For twice two years and more hath burnt to 

naught 
Within its dingy gruesome socket 
But I've seen it flicker into ashes ; 
Not a dog hath bayed the gentle moon 
But I have forestalled him. 

Lydia 
If thou wert not Adelphus, I might wish thee 
Saul. 

Adelphus 
Most happy am I that this my name 
Can ne'er be changed, nor yet myself. 
For sweet Marcella's sake, I wish Saul, Saul ; 
For Adelphus' sake I wish Adelphus still Adel- 
phus. 

Lydia 
Owned I all Tarsus thou shouldst be paid. 

Adelphus 
Man's dearest fortune is in woman's face; 
His richest treasure her own sweet self. 



S)aul of Car0U0 is 

Lydia 
Then thou art amply paid, and some fair one 
may claim the interest. 

Adelphus 
Yes, compound. Doubly compound. 

l^Seizes hand and kisses i^] 
There ! 

Lydia 
O Adelphus ! 

Adelphus 
And now I shall compound it. 
[^Kisses it again^ 

Lydia 
Hush ! I hear the gong ; some one arrives. 

Adelphus 

Let's be sober! 

^Enter Saul and Marcella] 

Lydia 
This livelong day we have looked for thee. 

Marcella 
Then not unexpected is our coming. 

Lydia 
The news.? 



14 %ml of Cat0U0 

Saul 

Cousin, thinkest not 'tis rather warm in here? 
Thou dost seem quite flushed ; and Adelphus, 
Poor Adelphus is being roasted alive, — 
He looks it. 

Adelphus 

Nay, noble friend! Amid the blinding storm 

We're told you left this house at early mom, 

I fear thou seest grave anxiety 

Sadly depicted on our countenance ; 

We had not heard of all the thunder did. 

Nor yet perchance the angry rolling Cydnus 

Seized and rushed thee out to sea. 

Marcella 

Most truly, 'twas a blinding, drowning storm; 
Praise the gods that we are not drowned! 
Thank heaven that we still have eyes to see! 
Saul ! Let us not tarry here ! 'Tis too warm. 
Crimson cheeks, I fear, ill becometh thee ; 
Unlike Adelphus, thou wert not born to wear 
them. 

Lydia 

O Marcella, knowest thou Eunice 
Was here this morn inquiring after thee? 
And when she learned Saul had not returned. 
She went away content. But — 



%aul of Car0U0 15 

Marcella 
But what? Tell ! I dread that little word. 
It broodeth separation. What meanest thou.'' 
Come, pray tell ! These men will give us pause. 
\^Ea:eunt Saul and Adelphus] 

Lydia 
Poor Eunice ! How I do pity her ! 
She did not mean to tell — evermore 
Her heart is burthened with a grief. 

Maecella 
Thou troublest me ! Oh, tell quickly ! 
I must know at once ! 

Lydia 
She feared — Marcella — she feared. 

Marcella 
Do not rack my nerves with dread suspense ; 
Speak ! Tell, do ! 

Lydia 

She feared for Saul and thee ; she'd say no more. 
She gaveth not the grounds of her suspicion. 
Once she mentioned the name of Flavins, 
And then 'twas with a deep, mysterious sigh. 
Thou knowest whether these fears are ground^ 

less, 
And canst no doubt explain. 



16 @aul of Car0u0 

Marcella 

Give me a breathing spell. 

[Enter Saul and Adelphus] 

Adelphus 

Come, sweet Lydia ! Let us to our promenade ! 
The Cydnus is a silver stream to-night ; 
The moon's full orbed ; the music's sweet ! 
The time's propitious ! The Gods do sleep ! 
Leave this goodly company here alone, 
To woo sweet happiness or not. 

[Exeunt Lydia and Adelphus] 

Saul 

My beloved, pray tell what aileth thee.? 
Thou seemest not thyself. 

Marcella 

Saul, Marcella wearies much to-night, 
Somehow she dreads — she knows not what. 

Saul 

What hath engendered this in thy breast, — 
This brooding trouble? Let us search the 

cause. 
That which mars thy peace, first must conquer 

me. 
When did it begin? Last night? 



g)aul of Car0U0 17 

Marcella 
Why dost thou say last night? Whom hast 

thou seen? 
That maid of mine hath been having strange 

dreams — 
Last night ! I fear a nightmare — maybe 

worse. 
She did groan and cry aloud until I ran and 

wakened her. 

Saul 
Nightmares have suspicious causes, 
And to-morrow eve we shall find it out 
Whether her ears, eyes, or stomach 
Did beget it. 

Marcella 
Saul, dost thou not love me? 
Wilt thou not believe me? 

Saul 
O Marcella ! My dearest Marcella ! 
How could I ever live without thee? 
And if confession doth make music to thine ear. 
My lips shall speak no other language. 

Marcella 
Saul, Saul, thou makest me happy ! 

Saul 
O sweet Marcella, wilt thou but hear me ! 



18 ^aul of Car0U0 

If love hath power to add a single drop 

To thy golden cup of happiness, 

Then thou must hear and know how miich I love. 

I love thee stronger than the zones 

That bind the center of this rock-ribbed earth; 

I love thee gentler than the moon and stars ; 

I love thee warmer than the midday sun ; 

I love thee deeper than the deepest sea ; 

I love thee with my mind and heart and will; 

I love thee to my fingertips — I love, 

And in that single word I bind my fate. 

Marcella 

OSaul! Saul! 

Saul 

Believe! If every book ever written 

Had ten thousand times ten thousand pages. 

And every page ten thousand lines, 

And every line a thousand words, 

And every word with love o'erflowed, 

And thou couldst live ten thousand times ten 

thousand years 
To ponder what each word amply conveyed, 
Thou couldst not know how much I love thee. 
'Tis far beyond all thought and speech and 

time; 
I love as though this generous heart would 

break. 



%a\il of Car0U0 19 

Marcella 
What happy fortune smiles upon us here? 
O holy gods, that crowd all heaven into this 

precious hour! 

[Enter Lydia and Adelphus] 

Marcella 
Why so short awhile away? 

Lydia 
A mackerel sky, a dark horizon ! 
The music ceased ; a storm is brooding. 

Saul 
Many floods are needed to cleanse 
This world of its corruption. 

Adelphus 
Dear Tarsus is excepted. 

Saul 
Vile Tarsus is accepted. 

Lydia 
Hearest thou not Flavins' ships arrived. 
And with what treasures they were laden? 
To-morrow they take leave again for Rome ; 
Flavins and Glaucus shall accompany. 

Saul 
Peace go with them. 



20 giaul of Cat0U0 

Adelphus 
Then 'tis an unexpected departure. 
Marcella, how is it? 

Marcella 
Some Jack has conjured up a false report; 
To-morrow eve he's our guest of honor — 
At my own home he shall be entertained ; 
Then he leaves not. We shall all be present. 
[Knocks and enters Servant] 

Servant 
Master Saul, pardon. A letter ! 

Saul 
To Marcella. 

Marcella 
[Opens, readsl 
" Home — haste — storm pending — carriage 

awaits ! " 
[To coinpany~\ Goodnight! To-morrow eve, 
remember ! 

Saul 
I shall see thee home in safety ! 
[To companz/^ Goodnight! 

Adelphus 
Good night ! Good night ! 
[E{veunt~\ 



SCENE III 

Place: Pompeius' palace — drawing room. 

Reception to Flavius. 
Present: Glaucus and Flavius. 

Glaucus 
Dost thou think this scheme will carry? 

Flavius 
The time seems ripe ! 

Glaucus 
Give thy reason? 

Flavius 

Dost thou not know, my dearest Glaucus, 

How I have whiled away this precious day? 

She loves to have me call her sweet Marcella, 

And to my imaginative story 

Of wealth and fame she gives a most attentive 

ear. 

I have a power o'er thy dear sister — 

Did I not hate — would make me pity Saul. 

When I talk in earnest, cooing form, 

I put her dreaming — what an angel, then ! 

And so she gives a yes to all I say, 
31 



22 ^aul of Cat0U0 

And leans-to, as though I were a magnet. — 
I am prone to fear it is mesmeric, 
And I do play a foul demon's part. 
Whene'er I speak of leaving her dear home 
She then confesses deepest sorrow ; 
And when I put my kerchief to mine eyes 
And force therefrom such a parting tear, 
She sobs right out and says I must not go. 
Thinkest thou not the time propitious ? 

Glaucus 

Surely, a day of Roman eagles and auguries ! 

Flavius 

I have planned, with her consent, to drive ; 
It all comes off before the guests arrive. 
To the club we quickly go, as if by chance ; 
Once there, we must play our game in haste. 
Rejoice that Saul is out of town, perforce — 
Pray the gods that he return not till too late! 

Glaucus 

This will be a further tonic for dear Marcella's 
nerves. 
\_Enter Pompeius and Decia] 

POMPEIUS 

Why look so melancholy. Son.? 
What trouble now.? 



§)aul of Cat0U0 23 

Glaucus 
Nothing, dear Father ; late hours last night ; 
Our nerves are yet unstrung, — nothing ! noth- 
ing! 

Decia 
Where is Marcella? 

Flavius 
Resting most peacefully, we hope, 
And dreaming of a better land. 

GiiAucms 
Mother, wilt thou not have her shortly wakened. 
She's promised a drive with Flavius — 
Already 'tis time. I shall accompany. 

Decia 
Must not remain long away, remember ! 
Flavius' many friends demand each 
A bit of his most precious time to-night ; 
So soon he leaves us. 

Glaucus 
We shall make all due haste. Flavius tarries 
till to-morrow. 
[Enters Marcella] 

Flavius 
Dear Marcella, how thou dost anticipate us. 
Yet with this gift fair woman is endowed, 



24 ^aul of Cat0U0 

To know man's wishes ere they are expressed, 
And match them with a sweet indulgence. 
Here is where divine tuition 
Sweeps away his stoutest logic, 
And most unconsciously he bows 
To her mandate, — a willing slave. 
IKnocks, enters Servant"] 

Servant 
Sirs, the coach is now awaiting. 

Glaucus 
The pressing time bids us haste ! 

Flavius 
And so we shall but say adieu. \_To company'] 
Adieu ! Adieu ! 
lExeimt] 



SCENE IV 

Place: Club hoiise Romanus. 
Present: Gu^ucus, Flavius, Marcelia, and 
Servant. 

Glauctjs 

\_To Servant] 
Come and serve us quickly ! 

Flavius 
Bring rich viands and sweet valarian wines ! 

Marcella 
What meanest this ? We must not eat so much, 
Nor yet imbibe; to-night we feast at home. 

Flavius 
Make merry while we may. 

Glaucus 
At home we feast another day. 
Come! To Flavius' health and safe voyage 
We three now do drink. 

Marcella 

Water! 

25 



26 @aul of Car0U0 

Flavius 
Wine ! Wine ! 

[They drink, Marcella reluctantly'] 

Glaucus 
Girl, Glaucus is proud of thee, his sister. 
Didst thou not find life and j oy in that cup ? 
Now, rich viands ! 
[They eat] 

Flavius 
Soon I shall be in dear old Rome — 
Ah, think of that ! Beneath Italian skies 
Where plenty dwells and pleasure knows no 

sleep ; 
Where golden temples shine, and palaces 
Of snowy white ! My heart is in Rome. 

Glaucus 
And I shall be with thee, dear Flavius. 
Glory ! Glory ! Glory ! 

Marcella 
Would that I were going. 

Glaucus 
Poor unfortunate girl! Would it were possi- 
ble! 

Flavius 
Come, let us drink to poor Marcella's health. 



%ml of Car0U0 27 

Mercy ! she's denied so much ; what a pity ! 
Well, let these glasses all be filled — 
And so let us seek to drown her sorrow. 
{^They drimkl 

Flavius 
Dear Marcella, to-morrow imagine 
My white winged ships riding o'er the great sea ; 
And brave Glaucus and myself, then kissed 
By every tempered breeze, there in ease and lux- 
ury! 

Marcella 

What a tempting voyage ! So sweet the haven. 

Work not so upon fair woman's fancy, 

Else she must entreat permission 

Or suffer such a disappointment 

That she shall pine away with longing. 

Glaucus 

Dear girl, wouldst thou go were it possible.? 

Marcella 

Glaucus ! Methinks it would be glorious ! 

Flavius 

Sweet Marcella, be my bride ! Speak the word, 
And thou, dear Love, shall go with me to-night 
And in snow-white palaces shall e'er dwell. 
Ah ! What an offer cupid now doth make ! 



28 Saul of Car$u0 

On silver wings lie comes floating by with 

bliss — 
Then tell me not that love is known by age. 
At his sight, she leaps up with an eagle's 

strength, 
In a moment's time is born immaculate, 
And flies at once to her sweet paradise. 

Marcella 
But Saul ! Saul ! I do remember Saul ! 

Glaucus 
Where is the will that masters memory ! 
Girl, learn to know oblivion once; 
Here is still the sweet valarian wine, 
Doth it not sooth thy troubled conscience? 
Bathe thy temples in forgetfulness. 
What golden chance hangs upon this hour! 
Neglect it, and thy future shall be bound 
With poverty, sighs, and wretchedness. 

Marcella 
What troubles here within my soul? Do I 
Remember Jove? Doth Saul remember me? 
And can oblivion be commanded? 
Methinks to-night that I am not myself! 

Flavius 

Let us drink a health to Saul, since he's ill. 
Wine ! Wine ! 



^aul of Car0U0 29 

Glaucus 
Marcella will go with thee, of course; 
Dear girl, I've always known her wise and pru- 
dent. 

Flavius 
Sweet Marcella! What sayst thou to-night? 
The chief magistrate is here to wed us two. 
Let me place this ring on thy dear finger? 
This string of pearls about thy precious neck? 
They bespeak the love I've always borne thee. 

Marcella 
Saul loves me ! Saul loves me ! 

Glaucus 
Leave Saul with his Tarsus ! An ugly Jew ! 
Let Marcella inherit Rome ! 

Flavius 
Will Marcella say two words for me? 

Marcella 
I fear I cannot speak but one. 

Flavius 
Then I ask but one, — say, yes ! 

Glaucus 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Say it quickly; we must 
haste ! •" 



30 %ml of Car0U0 

Marcella 
Y-e-s. 

Glaucus 
You shall wed on board of ship. 
This place is too auspicious. 

Flavius 
In this one thing we do obey thee, 
Most precious Glaucus. 

GlAUCUS 

And now I write this dispatch to thy Father. 
When we are out to sea, my post delivers it. 
'Twill explain all. 

Flavius 
Let us haste ! 



SCENE V 

Place: Pompeius' palace^ drawing room. 
Present: Pompeius, Decia avid Eunice. 

Decia 

Eunice, are all things now in readiness? 

Eunice 
All, except the guests. 

[^Enter Adelphus, Lydia and friends'] 

Pompeius 

Come ! Welcome to all this house affords ! 

Adelphus 

Happy are we to find this presence. 

Lydia 

Be well assured ! 

Adelphus 

Where is Glaucus? 

Lydia 

And where is Marcella.? 

Decia 

They are away, driving with Flavins. 
31 



32 S>aul of Car0U0 

They are now past due ; soon they shall arrive ; 
I trust no accident o'ertakes them. 

Lydia 
Driving with Flavius? What swifter steeds 
Could e'er be found than his black chargers? 
See them fly to his willing mandate! 

Eunice 
Oh, pardon me, dear Lady, where is Saul? 
It makes me sad that he's late to-night. 

Lydia 
He is away. 'Tis most imperative. 
What time he shall return I cannot guess ; 
But this all who know him may conjecture, — 
Not later than necessity demands ; 
Saul rides on the forelock of occasion. 

Eunice 
I fear my regret is everlasting. 

Lydia 
Conjure not up evil omens 
To spoil our happiness. 

Eunice 
Dear Lady, I still do fear, with reason, 
Glaucus and Flavius have been scheming. 
Believe me, something's going to happen; 
I feel it in my bones. 



©aul of Cat0U0 33 

Lydia 
And where was Marcella? 

Eunice 
She was here, 'tis true, but much alone; 
She loves her own sweet company of late. 
Ah ! that solitude that broodeth trouble 
And doth not know what it is brooding ; 
Others may see and apprehend it, 
And in mercy cannot help but show it. 

Lydia 

Why should we go to borrowing trouble 

And pay thereon so dear an interest? 

Let us not suffer, then, before the time; 

Cross not the bridges, ere you do arrive. 

That you have built with other men's decep- 
tions ; 

Many slip and fall and break their necks 

On these wild imaginative traps. 

[Enter other guests and friends, and are 
welcomed^ 

POMPEIUS 

I feel I'm due a swift apology 

For this unwonted absence of our hosts ; 

That their detention's unavoidable 

Thou must in charity believe. 

Make merry, then, each one as best he can ; 

We do but hope that they shall soon arrive. 



34 ©aul of Cat0U0 

A feast delayed whets the appetite, 
Gives a new and unimpeded relish 
When with eager eyes thou dost come to it. 

Adelphus 
What fortune should occasion such delay, 
Will not Pompeius grant me leave to see? 

POMPEIUS 

Trouble not thyself, my dear Adelphus ; 

We cannot spare thee. Thou mightest not re- 
turn, 

And that would only add the more to grief. 

I hear the gong; perchance they do arrive. 
[Enter Saul] 

Saul 

Most beloved Pompeius ! Dear Decia ! 
Friends, my greetings ! Pardon my delay ! 
Where is Marcella? 

Decla. 

Driving with Glaucus and Flavius. 
Already they are overdue. 

Saul 

Have not yet returned? 

Adelphus, come with me ; they must be found. 

If in this town, in twenty minutes 

Thou shalt know it : the wheels of feasting 



Siaul o( Cat0U0 35 

Must not be clogged with such delay. 
[^Exeunt Saul and Adelphus] 

POMPEIUS 

Let the music go ! Touch some sweeter strain ! 
We must be entertained. 



Decia 
This suspense doth tax my strength to weak- 
ness. 



Lean Guest 

And gnaw my stomach like a worm. 

Lydia 

What would this world be without sweet music.'' 
O love, thou wouldst have a prosy time ; 
In groves, palaces, and banquet halls, 
There would be dullness and inanition ; 
'Tis affection's gentle cormorant. 
O ye gods, for love's sweet sake, let it play ! 
O sorrow, music is thy medicine; 
She steals into thy sad and tearful heart. 
Pours her balm into its bleeding wounds, 
And heals it with her gen'rous sympathies. 
Stay with us ! thou precious gift of heaven ! 
l^Music. Enters Officer] 

Officer 
A sealed message I do bear thee! 



36 §)aul of Cat0U0 

POMPEIUS 

To me! \_Opens, reads'] " Marcella's married; 
Married Flavius at seven o'clock; 
When thou readest this we shall be at sea ! 
Your son, 

Glaucus." 
O heavens ! Infernal scheme ! 

Guest 
Forgery! Perchance, forgery! 

POMPEIUS 

No. In his own hand, with his own name, 
And this officer doth swear it. 

Decia 
O mercy me ! What shall we do ? 
Marcella gone ! and Saul ! 

Lydia 
Eunice, weep not ! We must be doubly brave ; 
Still I do fear for Saul to know. 

POMPEIUS 

Dear friends, you need dispense no music more ; 
Silence now best becomes this house of mine. 
[Exeunt all hut Lydia and Eunice] 

Lydia 
How he doth mistake sorrow's remedy ; 
Seek a change and let the music play. 



%ml of Car0U0 37 

Be calm, my child! 

Give not thyself into the arms of sorrow, 

To be imprisoned in a solitary place. 

Else thou shalt be consumed with melancholy 

moods. 

[Enter Saul and Adelphus] 

Lydia 
Saul! Dear Cousin, thou must read! 

Saul 
What is it? [Opens, reads'] 
Oh ! It cannot be ! It must not be ! 

Lydia 
How can I comfort thee? 

Saul 
Leave me alone, dear cousin, alone ! 
[Exit Saul to adjoining room] 

Lydia 
What a contradiction was Marcella. 

Eunice 
She was beguiled. 

Adelphus 
I shall know the utmost. 

Lydia 
And we shall ne'er have a double wedding. 



38 @)aul of Car0u0 

Adelphus 
Hush! Saul grieves. 

Saul 
\_In room] 
Oh, mercy ! mercy ! have mercy ! 

Lydia 
Break not that mighty heart ! 

Adelphus 
Listen ! 

Saul 
God ! God ! God ! I cannot live without her. 
I cannot live ! 

Eunice 
I must away. 

Saul 
The heathen perish! The heathen perish! 

Adelphus 
He's growing mad. 

Saul 
I must see Rome ! I must see Rome ! 
The flames consume her! The flames consume 
her! 

Lydia 
He will lose his mind. 



Saul of Car0U0 39 

Saul 
The heavens fall, and swallow the great sea ! 
Curse him ! Curse him ! 

Lydia 
Worse ! O Adelphus ! Worse ! 

Saul 
Marcella ! Marcella ! Marcella ! 
God! God! God! 
[Exeunf] 



ACT II 
SAUL IN JERUSALEM 



DRAMATIS PERSONiE 

Saul 

Annas, high priest 

Gamauel 

NiCODEMUS 

Peter 

John 

Stephen 

Mary, mother to John 

Esther, sister to Stephen 

Prochorus 1 

Bar ABB AS ^witnesses 

Barsabas J 

Priests, soldiers, scribes, pharisees, citizens. 



SCENE I 

Place: Home of Nicodemus. 
Present: Annas and Nicodemus. 

Annas 
Nicodemus ! I'm here to talk most soberly with 

thee. 
These Christians that do wear a perfidy 
Doth put me to my wits' extremest ends. 
This city to her inmost heart is stirred, 
And all that I can do will not avail. 
What remedy hast thou.? 

Nicodemus 
I am perplexed, most solemnly perplexed! 
And what measure I may haply suggest 
I fear must prove but futile. 

Annas 

Sir, we must conjure up some holy scheme 

To beat them to our very hearts' content ; 

Pray tell me what our learned heads are for 

If not to outwit these, our perjured enemies.? 

If this new ism keeps moving on a pace, 

Annas, indeed, soon shall have no power, 

And Nicodemus not a worthy client. 
43 



u @aul of Car0u$ 

NiCODEMUS 

Calamity, mortal calamity ! 

We must bestir ourselves or we'll be damned. 

What hast thou done? 

He who would win a fair success 

Must not balk at each new remedy, 

But bend himself to every untried way. 

Annas 
I have done all fair policy could do. 
First, stood I arm in arm with dear Pilate 
Mid the darkness of his council chamber; 
Then Barabbas was freely yielded up; 
The weary Christ was made to bear His cross, 
And on Golgotha He was nailed thereto. 
At His death me-thought we should have peace. 

NiCODEMUS 

And peace came not, even at so dear a price! 

Annas 
No! Soon within that little upper room 
Were assembled His beloved disciples, 
And thereupon, like flaming tongues of fire. 
Were turned loose upon this Holy City. 
Thou seest with thine eyes what they have done. 
They bring not peace, but a sword among us ; 
In many families is discord sown. 

NiCODEMUS 

No power's in our law to silence them ; 



^aul of Cat0U0 45 

We must try new tactics, whate'er may result. 
Shed thy yoke ; kick authority to dust. 
Cry out they are enemies of state; 
Suborn false witnesses to prove it — 
Caesar loves the friendship of the Jews, 
Because he loves their strength and power. 
Not that we hate Christians less, nor Caesar 

more; 
Do we embrace the cause of friend or foe 
To accomplish our most holy purpose. 

Annas 

I see ! The same fine tactics as before ! 
Strategy wins the battle before 'tis fought. 
We must have a leader, — a ringleader, — 
And false witnesses ; the time demands it. 
In so short awhile, see how they have grown! 
T'other day a Galilean fisherman 
Stood within our streets and cried " repent," 
And three thousand of that most motley crowd 
Came with tearful eyes and confessed the Christ. 
And then with bold pretence for reverence 
He stood beside the eastern temple gate; 
There healed a man long sick with palsy, 
Who, leaping up and loudly blurting out. 
Disturbed the worshippers within; 
Thus it ever goes from bad to worse. 
But not content with such a mean display. 
He stands elate on Solomon's great porch ; 



46 ^aul of Car$u0 

Declares the Jews have crucified their Lord; 
And passing by the high reward of golden 

deeds, 
Offers life for the mere sake of a belief! 
Then five thousand said they would follow him: 
Sir ! for heaven's sake, this must be stopped. 

NiCODEMUS 

We must organize against them; 
Bring them before the great Sanhedrim ; 
Prove them peace disturbers unto Caesar; 
See that they do get their just deserts. 

Annas 

Let us not procrastinate ! Time doth fly, 
And in its fleeing we shall lose thereby. 
How shall it be done? 

NiCODEMUS 

Sir, I know a man to lead the ring. 

Therefore, a good ringleader. He is young 

And brave of heart ; in wisdom old 

As Solomon; born a Hebrew, reared 

A Hebrew, a Hebrew dyed in the wool ; 

A pharisee of the Pharisees ; 

A searcher-out of hidden things; 

A doer of deeds, incessant, faithful, 

Uncompromising. There are no bounds 

To his ambition, no limit to his zeal. 



Saul of Car0U0 47 

Annas 
Who? What's his name? 

NiCODEMUS 

Saul of Tarsus, pupil of Gamaliel. Perchance 
he comes. 
[Knock and enter Saul and Gamaliel] 

Annas 
What good spirit brought thee hither? 

NiCODEMUS 

Thy name was on my lips. 

Gamaliel 

And to what purpose? What doth now per- 
plex? 

Annas 

The one great question — how to check these 
Christians ; 

Threatened, they only preach the more; 

Imprisoned, angels unlock the door. 

How can we be more politic? 

What is necessarj^ to be done? 

How shall we do it? 

Saul 
Has this great city not a single man 
In whose bosom beats a heart of steel? 
Who can ply the locks of drastic measures? 
Has our great council grown so fat, indeed, 



48 ^aul Of Car0U0 

That it. has lost its spleen? Where are the 

men ? 
We must have men ! 

NlCODEMUS 

Ah ! We must he more heroic. 

Annas 
Let Saul speak ! 
He is a tonic to m}^ hrain and nerves. 

Saul 
Sever head and shoulders, then what dog can 

bark ; 
Take strong prison walls and heap them high 
On rebellious bones, and angels can't deliver. 

Annas 

Let brooks and streamlets run deep crimson. 

And every stone in this great city's walls 

Be heaped and reheaped till not a Christian 

lives, 
So help me God! 

NlCODEMUS 

What thinkest thou. Master Gamaliel? 
Thy silence doth not argue well. 

Gamaliel 
What storm is this that rages now within? 
I am born Avith much more sober views ; 
Gentle reason most becomes learned men. 



^aul of Car0U0 49 

What though Peter and John have preached, 
And alleged miracles liave been wrought; 
Other prophets have lived before them, 
Not all imposters. If false, their work 
Shall come to naught ; if true, then heaven sent. 
It shall avail us naught to fight with God. 
Let us curb our zeal until our judgment's clear. 
Give tolerance a place within thy breast! 
'Twill be sweet to feed upon in after years. 

Annas 
Hem ! Procrastinate till fierce wrath is spent. 
Now's the time to strike, while the iron's hot ; 
Let us have no weak-kneed counsel here! 

Gamaliel 
Rememberest thou not the fate of Theudas, 
And a certain Judas also? Beware! 
I'm told these apostles mighty wonders work ; 
Make the blind to see and the deaf to hear; 
Heal the lame, and sick, and halt, and maimed; 
And Peter even with a word and look 
Doth fell false witnesses dead. 

Annas 
Breathe not this abroad to gain credence ; 
Soon we shall need false witnesses. 

Saul 
Murder not time with fruitless argument ; 
Away, my friends, to the council chamber! 



50 @aul of Car0U0 

Where our thoughts may sit enthroned on our 

lips, 
And sweet valor find a field for action. 
Stephen now doth stir this city — 
Apprehend him! 

NiCODEMUS 

How shall it be done? 

Saul 
The chief magistrate is my warmest friend ; 
And in this pocket I do bear a sealed right 
To stop, perforce, this sect from preaching 
Or else to stop their hearts from beating. 
Now! Dost thou not see the way clear.? 

Annas 
Good heavens ! Had I known this long ago ! 
When Peter stood before my judgment seat, 
He did speak most audaciously. 

Saul 
What said he ? 

Annas 
This, my dear Sir, was the sum and sub- 
stance, — 
That the Jews had broken great command- 
ments ! 
Were guilty of vile murder ! Think of that ! 
Had crucified a Saviour! What a libel! 



@)aul of Car0U0 5i 

And he himself was a notorious Jew. 
Ah, would I had him in these clutches ! 

Saul 
Swear, he is not dead ! Heaven's sweetest 
Revenge, to brand a heretic ! 
It shall be done. Follow me! 
[Exeunt~\ 



SCENE II 

Place: Cowncil Chamber. Trial of Stephen. 
Freseni: Annas, Saul, Gamaliel, Procho- 

Rus, Barabbas, Barsabas, Scribes and 

Pharisees, etc. 

Annas 
To what purpose we're here I need not state ; 
Stephen, the deacon, lay bound in prison. 
Soon he shall appear ; we must be grave. 

Prochorus 
And give fair semblance of a trial. 
Great council of perjurers ! 

Saul 
What black sheep is that that bleats? 
Search him out and fleece him ! 

Annas 
Expel him from this chamber ! Do it quickly ! 
Haste him down the street ! Imprison him ! 
[^Officers seize him and rush out~\ 

Saul 
Well done. 

[Enter officer with Stephen] 
53 



@)aul of Car0U0 53 

Annas 
Here coines the prisoner. 
The Lord have mercy ! 

Stephen 
And make his servants merciful. 

Annas 
Disrespectful Sir! 
Hold thy peace till this court doth give thee 

leave ; 
I would have you mark his impudence ! 

Barsabas 
His face doth shine. 

Barabbas 
Thou fool ! The sun doth shine ; prick up thy 
courage ! 

Gamaliel 
Sirs ! let this be a lawful trial, 
And sweet justice rule; proceed, then, orderly. 

Annas 
Call forth the witnesses ! 

Saul 
Barabbas to the stand ! Now dost thou kiss 
This Holy Book and swear to tell the truth? 

Barabbas 
I do swear. 



54 ^aul of Car0U0 

Annas 
Give now your testimony ; only facts ; 
What thou hast seen with thine own eyes ; 
What thou hast heard with thine own ears. 

Baeabbas 
Sir, the multitudes have I seen him stir 
Until I feared dread mutiny would reign, 
With bold pretence hath deceived the people, 
Till they have rudely turned against thee. 

Annas 
Enough! What didst thou hear.? 

Bar ABB AS 
Sir, have heard him speak vile blasphemy ; 
Against the temple did he prophesy ; 
Against Moses our great law-giver; 
Against the holy customs of the people; 
Sir! He said these things shall pass away. 
And Christ would usher in a better day. 

Annas 
Enough ! Enough ! He's guilty I 

SauIv 
Barsabas, take the stand! 

Annas 
Now tell us what thou knowest. 
Brief be thy testimony. 



^aul of Cat0U0 55 

Barsabas 
With mine own eyes hath dear Barabbas seen; 
And with my ears, indeed, hath he heard, 
I do swear unto his testimony. 
'Tis the whole truth and nothing but the truth ; 
Not one jot or tittle could I add thereto. 

Annas 
Art thou Barabbas or Barsabas? 
Doth not this prisoner persist? 

Barsabas 
He perseveres most persistently, 
And persists most perseveringly. 
He's like a bull dog; when he once takes hold. 
There's no let go till he's done it. 

Annas 
So much the greater cause for justice; 
'Twill do. 

Gamaliel 
Let us hear from Stephen. 

Saul 
Will the prisoner speak? 

Stephen 
Thy sacred Highness ! Men, brethren and 

friends ! 
If true, how grave are these accusations ; 



56 ©aul of Cat0U0 

If false, then thou shouldst be convinced. 

Be it known to all men that I believe, — 

Believe in our Father Abraham, 

In Moses, David, and all the prophets ; 

That they dwelt in light and spake the will of 

God. 
I believe thou art the chosen people, 
Most righteous and most blessed. 

Pharisees 
Good, speak on ! 

Stephen 
Chosen people, to whom God did promise 
A kingdom of peace and righteousness. 
And a prince to reign in glory. 

Sadducees 
We are the people. Have mercy on him ! 

Saul 
Let not thy pride run riot with thy reason. 
Flattery is the noblest prince of lies ; 
Therefore reserve thy judgment to the last. 

Stephen 
Thou dost worship in this temple made with 

hands. 
Which Solomon most gloriously hath built. 
A greater than Solomon hath come ; 
Worship Him! 



Saul of Car0U0 57 

Pharisees 
What doth he say? 

Stephen 
Heaven is His throne, the earth His footstool; 
In what house, then, would ye confine Him? 
Know ye not that he is boundless? 
He doth ride upon the heavens ; 
He doth rule the earth beneath us ; 
And yet He did become incarnate. 
The God of Love is here among us. 
Believest thou? 

Pharisees 
Stop, vile hypocrite, stop ! 

Stephen 
A people stiff necked and rebellious ! 
Ye do always resist his power, 
And do turn your hearts away to idols ! 
Ye forget the mercy of Jehovah ; 
Like thy fathers, persecute the prophets ; 
And with evil hands crucified the Just One. 
O my people Israel, remember! 

Pharisees 
Away with him ! Away with him ! 

Stephen 
And thou dost read the law in vain? 
Betrayers and murderers ! 



58 ©aul of Car0U0 

Pharisees 
Seize him ! Kill the heretic ! 

Sadducees 
Without the gate ! Stone him ! Stone him ! 

Saul 
Guilty ! Guilty ! Stone him ! 

All 
Take him! This way! Without the gate! 
\_Ea:eunt'\ 



SCENE III 

Place: Open field; stoning of Stephen. 
Present: John, Mary and Esther. 

John 
I hear the voice of some tumult. 

Mary 
I hear it not ! 

Esther 
It seems as though 'twere fast approaching. 

John 
The Jews have been plotting mischief ; 
I forbode evil, yet doth fear to speak it. 

Mary 
Fear not, my son! The Lord shall go before 

thee 
And in His hands shall bear thee up. 

Esther 

Hearest thou not their railing and cursing? 

Faster it approaches along the way 

Of sorrow, the way the weary Master 

Bore His cross ! 

59 



60 giaul of Cat0U0 

John 
I fear they are some followers of His. 

Mary 
My child, He knoweth the way that we take, 
And shall redeem the soul of His servants. 

John 
They come. Canst thou see the prisoner.? 

Esther 
Oh, mercy! My brother! 'Tis Stephen, Ste- 
phen! 

Mary 

Put thou thy trust in God and be strong! 
He'll need us now. 

Esther 
They smite him. Hearest thou what he said? 

John 

Listen ! 

Stephen 
The Son of Man is come to seek and to save. 

Saul 
Imposter ! Believe him not ! 

Stephen 
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ 
And thou shalt be saved. 



^aul of Car0U0 6i 

Saul 
Hush him ! Cast him from thee ! 
Stephen 

O blessed Christ ! Hear ye Him ; 
" Who so Cometh unto Him He will in nowise 
cast out." 

Esther 

Oh, they strike him ! Cruel ! He wipeth 
The blood from his brow ! 

Stephen 

Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a 

price ; 
The blood of Jesus Christ, His son, cleanseth 
From all sin, 

John 

He thinketh not of himself; he loves his perse- 
cutors. 

Esther 

He sees us ! Oh, he sees us ! 

Stephen 

The Lord bless thee and keep thee. 

Mary 

In all thy ways acknowledge Him. 



62 ®aul of Car0U0 

John 
Be of good courage and He shall strengthen 
Thine heart. 

Esther 
O Brother! 

Mary 
Blessed art thou when persecuted for His sake. 
Great is thy reward in heaven. 

Officers 
Clear the way ! 

Mary 
He has peace. His face shineth. 

John 

Saul tarries behind. 

Esther 
Why do they take off their coats and cast them 
at his feet.? 

Mary 

See ! They gather up stones ! 

John 

Stephen regards them not. 

Esther 
He looks heavenward. He speaks. Listen! 



§)aul of Car0U0 63 

Stephen 
blessed Christ ! At the right hand of my 
Father. 

John 
God doth not forget Him ! He never leaves nor 
forsakes ! 

Esther 
They . stone him. Oh, mercy! Saul, have 
mercy ! 

Mary 
He falls to his knees ! 

John 
Hush, he cries aloud ! His last words ! 
His last words ! Hear ! 

Stephen 
Lay not this sin to their charge ! 

John 
He prays forgiveness for his enemies. 

Mary 

He speaks again. Listen ! 

Stephen 
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! 

Esther 
Oh, mercy ! Mercy ! Have mercy ! 



64 S)aul of Car0U0 

John 
He sinks ! 

Pharisee 
Dead ! Dead ! 



ACT III 
SAUL IN DAMASCUS 



DRAMATIS PERSON.^ 

Saul 

Ananias 

Judas, a rich merchant 

Aretas, prince of Damascus 

ViTEXLius, a former governor 

Benhadad, a Jewish leader 

Dorcas, daughter to Judas 

Benjamin, son to Ananias 

Barabbas 1 .. 

^ Mvitnesses 

Bar SAB AS J 

Priest 

Chief Officer 

Servants, Christians, citizens, officers, etc. 



SCENE I 

Place: House of Judas. Drawing room. 
Present: Judas, Dorcas, Barabbas. 

Dorcas 
Dear Father, Saul will neither eat nor drink, 
And he's with us now quite three days ; 
I do pity him. Dost thou know what aileth? 

Judas 
'Tis strange, my dear child, 'tis passing strange. 
I know not ; ask Barabbas. 

Barabbas 
Master Judas, wilt thou be pleased to tell 
What palace at the end of this fair street.? 

Judas 
This palace, " the beautiful Pasha," 
Where the princely Aretas dwells ; 
Formerly the abode of Vitellius, 
The once distinguished Roman governor. 

Barabbas 

And the name of this street.? 

Judas 

Its lawful name is Straight, and so it is ; 
67 



68 ©aul of Cat0U0 

Its business name, " Street of Bazaars." 
Hence you see a street of stores and merchants. 

B ARAB B AS 

And what dost thou deal in ? 

Judas 
All of real worth the world produces. 

B ARABS AS 

Then 'tis a city ancient and renowned .^^ 

Judas 
'Tis the oldest in the world. Her beauty 
And sweet pleasures all the world doth covet. 
Barabbas, thou, too, shall learn to love her. 

Barabbas 
When first I saw from yonder hill top, 
I thought this valley some living paradise. 
And white Damascus as though still it were 
Some fair dream of the celestial city. 

Judas 
Knowest thou not 'twere once a paradise ; 
And coming hither thou didst cross the Phar- 

par, 
The ancient river of our ancient fathers. 

Barabbas 
What mountains lie to the tinted west.? 



^aul of Car0U0 69 

Judas 
Mount Labanas, the loftiest of all; 
From his white bosom thou canst see afar 
Fields, flocks, cities, and vast desert wastes. 

B ARAB B AS 

I shall see, and so satisfy myself. 
[Enter Barsabas] 

Dorcas 
Master Barsabas, wilt thou be pleased 
To answer me one brief question? 
These men are so engrossed. 

Barsabas 

Assuredly ! 

Bar abb as 

Dorcas, child, pardon pray! I'll answer thee. 
What wouldst thou have me say.? 

Dorcas 

Can this man Saul not be prevailed upon.^^ 
Will no one fetch an ointment for his eyes, 
Nor yet indeed persuade him to take food.'' 
He suffers much ; what aileth him .? 

B ARABS AS 

Nothing is left undone, nor yet shall be ! 
Didst not thy father tell thee.'' 



70 ^ml of Car0u0 

Dorcas 
Never a word. 

Judas 
Tell ! I had, indeed, no heart to speak it. 

B ARAB B AS 

Hast thou not heard what a faithful Jew Saul 
is.? 

Dorcas 
And believed it. Who would not believe him ? 

B ARAB B AS 

How bravely he stood by at Stephen's stoning. 
And thence plaj^ed havoc with the infant 

church, — 
Scattered Christians as though they were but 

chafF. 
And with that intent, is here among us. 

Dorcas 
Ah ! But Saul is blind. How could he? 

Barsabas 
Saul is blind ! Not always was he thus ; 
'Twas his bad intent that pricked his vision, 
And so left him in darkness. 

Dorcas 
What meanest thou ? 



%aul of Cat0u0 n 

Barsabas 
Saul, boasting, was on his way to Damascus. 
A voice from heaven there arrested him ; 
A dazzling light did penetrate his eye ; 
And falling prostrate, he did cry aloud. 

Dorcas 
Mercy! Thou dost frighten me. 
[^Enter Benhadad] 

Benhadad 
I would see Saul. 

Judas 
He's ill. 

B ARAB B AS 

I fear he will not see thee. 

Benhadad 
I hold a letter from Jerusalem 
Commanding my presence on his arrival ; 
Therefore, I come straight from Aretas. 
We are, indeed, pledged to this man's purpose. 
Make known my mission; let me hear his wish. 

l^Ewit B ARAB B as] 

Benhadad 
We shall soon be rid of this pest. 

Judas 
Art thou the son of a prophet? 



72 ^aul Of C«r$u$ 

Benhadad 
Every officer shall keep strict watch ; 
Beginning with this night, I'll see to it. 

Judas 
Most wise and precautious man ! 
[Enter Barabbas] 

Bar ABB AS 
Saul will see thee not. 

Benhadad 
What said he? 

Barabbas 
Some other day ! 

Benhadad 
Then I shall call to-morrow. Fare thee well ! 
[-Etri/ Benhadad] 

Judas 
I apprehend delay in his fair purpose. 
\_Enter Benjamin] 

Dorcas 
Come, dear Ben. I have strange news to tell 

thee. 
Away with me, and leave these folks awhile. 

[Exeunt Dorcas and Benjamin] 

[Enter Ananias] 



^aul of Car0U0 73 

Ananias 
Where's Saul? Make haste and show me to 
him. 

Barabbas 
In next room ; he refuses to be seen. 
Dost thou know him? 

Ananias 
Hush ! 

\^Enters room, lays Jus hand on Saul and 
speaks. Others following^ 
Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus Christ 
Who appeared to thee in the way, 
Sentest me that thou mightest receive thj sight. 
Be filled wltli his blessed spirit. 
Dost thou wish such happiness? 

Saul 
Ananias ! Thou art Ananias? 
How knowest thou my blindness? Art 
Thou a Christian? Why camest thou? 

Ananias 

In a vision 

Was I commissioned to this very place ; 

That I protested was of no avail. 

This same Jesus, therefore, whom thou hatest, 

Proclaimest thee his chosen vessel; 

And in obedience to that sweet voice 



74 Saul of Car0U0 

I am here to declare and confirm it. 

Open now thine eyes and thou shalt see me ! 

Saul 

Lord Jesus ! 

Ananias 
Tell, how earnest thou to be so stricken? 

Satjl 
That arrow yet doth lodge within my breast ; 
That past doth weigh like lead upon my heart 
Memory floods me still with bitterness. 
God, pity, oh, pity, my rebelliousness ! 
Have mercy and forgive! 

Ananias 

What hast thou done? 

Saul 

1 shall ne'er forget it, the light ! the voice ! 

Ananias 
Whose voice? Didst thou not recognize it? 

Saul 
Like sweet music it fell upon mine ears ; 
Like lightning it did cleave my heart asunder, 
So quickly it discovered guilt within me. 

Ananl\s 
Rememberest thou not what he said? 



^aul of Car0U0 75 

Saul 
" Saul! Saul! Why persecutest thou Me? 
'Tis hard for thee to kick against the pricks." 

Ananias 
What didst thou do? 

Saul 
I fell to the earth, trembling; cried, " Mercy! " 
Till mercy forsooth did take me by the hand 
And led me to where thou now dost find me. 
Tell me, what must I do to be saved? 

Ananias 

Believe on Him whom God in mercy sent, 
And be baptized, and thou shalt be saved. 

Saul 
Ananias, I believe ; baptize me. 

Ananias 
If thou believest with all thy heart, 
Thou mayest ! 

Saul 
With all my heart ! 

Ananias 
Follow me! 
lExeuntl 



SCENE II 

Place: Palace of Aretas, private council 

c h amb er ; midnight . 
Present: Aretas, Benhadad, chief officer. 

Benhadad 
Let the lights be low. 'Tis much better so. 

Aretas 
Foul plans are better hatched in darkness. 

Officer 
And foul deeds easier done. 

Benhadad 
Let us speak in tones solemn and subdued; 
It strengthens inward purpose to the mark, 
And muffles suspicious ears that betimes 
Are prowling round. 

Officer 
Well spoken. Thou art no novice at this work ; 
I vouch this solemn scheme shall carry. 

Aretas 

Let's to business and to it quickly. 
76 



^aul of Cat0U0 77 

What's been done? What's to do? How was 

it done? 
How shall we do it? Where is Saul? 

Officer 
That's the question. My most noble Lord. 

Where? 
Like a flea accustomed to the wool, 
No man knows how to lay his hands on him. 
Fanatic ! Agitator ! Imposter ! 
He moves and works mysteriously. 

Aretas 
What a charge is this thou dost prefer? 
We hear so much we know not what is truth ; 
It hides behind swift gossip and fair lies. 
Who is Saul ? Where is Saul ? Why so hated ? 

Benhadad 
'Tis my pleasure to answer fair Aretas, 
And that most briefly and most truthfully. 
Saul comes from Tarsus. There was he born; 
From thence he came to Jerusalem ; 
Studied under the great Gamaliel; 
Was a Pharisee of the Pharisees ; 
Persecuted the early Christians ; 
Stood by at the stoning of Stephen ; 
Played havoc with the infant church ; 
Received letters from the high priest ; 
Came to Damascus ; proved traitor ; 



78 @)aul of Car0U0 

Turned Christian ; stirred up the people ; 
Opposed Aretas ; therefore, deserveth death. 

Are T AS 
How long since did he arrive? 

Benhadad 
'Tis just one month, three days and twelve 
hours. 

Aretas 
Sir, how strict a watch is this thou dost keep! 
An enemy to the Jews, to Aretas, 
Therefore, an enemy to Damascus ; 
We must be rid of him ! Let Saul perish ! 

Officer 
Sir, we must conjure up more witnesses 
That these hands be not too deeply crimsoned, 
And fair Aretas be not accursed. 

Benhadad 
My Lord, witnesses are now in readiness ; 
Speak the word and they shall testify ! 

Aretas 
I would see and hear the witnesses ! 

l^Sends for Priest and Barabbas] 

Aretas 
The night is wearing. 



Saul of Car0U0 79 

Benhadad 
Then day is coming; we have no time to lose. 
[Enter Priest and Barabbas] 

Aretas 
[To Priest] 
Tell us what thou knowest of this Saul? 

Priest 
My most beloved and amiable Prince, 
Though true, it makes me sad to speak it ; 
He is a deeply dyed apostate; 
He is a most rank and fierce heretic; 
For mercy's sake let him be accursed ! 
Twice did he speak within my synagogue. 
And to my wonder and amazement 
Declared Jesus Christ the son of God. 
So earnestly and zealously did speak 
That many men confessed Him Lord and King; 
And now have they refused to bring their gifts. 
Sir, these Christians have all things in common. 
And withhold allegiance to their king. 

Aretas 
And thou dost venture this assertion? 
Saul, here a month and not yet apprehended? 
Let my officers see this man accursed, 
Or soon accursed shall be my officers. 

Benhadad 
I do swear to all that's here affirmed ; 



80 @)aul of Car$u0 

So can Barabbas. 

Aretas 
Let Barabbas speak. See what tale he brings. 

Barabbas 
I'm muchly grieved to give utterance; 
Saul I lament, once so true and loyal, 
Now he is changed; there's the mystery. 
Another spirit hath possessed him ; 
So let him die ; I would not see his face. 
Yet I sadly tremble for Aretas ; 
I do tremble for his officers. 

Aretas 

This testimony pleases not my heart. 

What lurks beneath it there to make one trem- 
ble. 

Is not Vitellius my guest to-night? 

He comes ambassador potentiate 

From Rome ; stopped at Jerusalem, 

Surely he knows the utmost of this matter ; 

I would hear Vitellius. 

l^Sends for Vitellius] 

Priest 

Many heads perfect any scheme, laudamus. 

Benhadad 

And beat the very devil, Lord-arm-us. 



©aul of Cat0U0 8i 



B ARABS AS 

Beloved, thou art now on the right track. 
lEnter officer with Vitelmus] 

Aretas 

Come, Vitellius ! We are much perplexed. 
We seek more light ; canst thou not give it.^* 

Vitellius 

I am no stranger to these dingy camps, 
But have a keen appetite for what they 
Do engender. I court your confidence. 

Aretas 

This wee hour makes me blunt, — your pardon ! 
Tell what thou hearest in Jerusalem? 
Tell what thou knowest of a certain Saul? 

Vitellius 

In Rome is he by reputation known. 

If what we hear is true, I do predict 

He'll surely turn the world upside down 

If, perchance, the world does not turn him up. 

Sir, if he suffered his poor flesh in Rome, 

We would have mince pie for Caesar's festival; 

In Jerusalem he's no better loved ; 

Stephen's murderers are waiting for his meat, 

And what a precious morsel it would be. 



82 @)aul of Car0U0 

Benhadad 
They shall not taste it; we'll give him to the 
dogs. 

VlTELLIUS 

Where is Saul? 

Priest 
In my synagogue one week ago ; 
Since then no man can apprehend him. 

Officer 
We have searched this city through and 

through, 
Nor can he be found. 

Aretas 
Shame! Banish these negations from thy 

thoughts ; 
Suffer not these weaklings to invade thy heart ; 
Learn to speak a strong " I will ! " Go, find 

him! 

Barabbas 
Be it known, Saul hath fled into the desert. 

Aretas 
Then we must set our traps and pursue his trail. 

Priest 
Spare no pains. 



©aul of Car0U0 83 

Benhadad 
Nor fair schemes. 

VlTELLIUS 

Nor foul deeds. 

AUETAS 

So shall it be. 

Officer 
We need more men. 

VlTELLIUS 

A double guard and stationed well. 

Priest 
At the synagogue. 

Benhadad 
On the streets. 

Barabbas 
At the market place. 

VlTELMUS 

At every gate both day and night. 

Aretas 
Vitellius, well said ! 

VlTELLIUS 

See it well done! 



84 ®aul of Car0U0 

Aretas 
My officer, know the plan! Beware! 
Let every ear wait on suspicion, 
And no man's heart fail him now of courage I 

Benhadad 
Nor eyes in keeping vigilance. 

VlTELLIUS 

Nor hands in execution. 

Aretas 
Done! Go like eager curs and hunt him down. 
Like hungry wolves despoil him; 
Resolve this meeting into action. Go ! 
[Exeunt'] 



SCENE III 

Place: House of Ananias. 
Present: Saul, Judas and Ananias. 

Saul 
You both have been most kind to me. 
Heaven compensate your gracious deeds. 

Ananias 
Like virtue, kindness is its own reward ; 
And heaven's noblest gifts gratuitous. 
What I have done for thee, O Saul, is naught 
Compared to happiness in me produced; 
My heart doth feast on such a service. 

Judas 
Friend, thou hast made us debtors unto thee, 
And such a debt makes us feel our poverty. 
Can man compensate the sun that lights him, 
Or reward the heavens for sending rain? 

Saul 

Thou dost stir my heart to gratitude ; 

How sweet is mercy from a loving friend ! 

Shall man not thank the roof that shelters him, 

And speak the prayer that rises to his lips.? 

[Knocks, enters Barsabas] 
85 



86 g)aul of Car0U0 

Barsabas 
O Saul ! Saul ! When didst thou — where didst 
thou? 

Saul 
Barsabas, thou art quite beside thyself. 
Is all Damascus on fire? 

Barsabas 
Full of incendiaries ; I swear it. 

Saul 
Until thou seest the smoke, speak coolly. 
O man, deliberate ; fool haste is waste. 

Judas 
Well said. 

Barsabas 
What a goodly thing it is to see and hear. 
And with it all to have a useful nose. 

Judas 
And why a nose prefixed with an adjective? 

Barsabas 
Why, to smell, sir. Last night I smelt a rat ; 
And following its hot trail, I found a brawl. 

Judas 
Where ? 



^aul of Car0U0 87 

Barsabas 
In Aretas' privy council chamber 
They were feasting on the meat of Saul. 
There in wrath and vain imaginations, 
They stoned, sliced, stewed, and fried him. 
Ah, what a dainty dish they made of him ! 
The gates are watched both day and night 
To apprehend thee coming, going; 
To what purpose they burnt their midnight oil 
We are yet to see. When didst thou arrive .^^ 

Saul 
At ten last night. 

Barsabas 
Ah, wouldst thou could leave at ten to-night ! 

Judas 

Barsabas ! Hast thou been dreaming or drink- 
ing.? 

Barsabas 

By a dream 'twas most surely verified. 
Barabbas, sir, my good bedfellow. 
When deeply folded in the arms of sleep. 
Takes a-dreaming and talking in his dreams. 
He's given to it — last night was at it. 

Judas 
A very bad fellow for a caucus. 



88 ^aul of Cat0U0 

Barsabas 
Gentlemen, I do know whereof I speak ; 
I swear they do seek the life of Saul ! 
They marked the time of his arrival. 

Saul 
I fear them not. 

[Enter Benjamin and Dorcas in haste~\ 

Dorcas 
Father ! Father ! 

Judas 
What, my child, art thou delirious? 

Dorcas 
We fled from home — out the back way — 
'Twas a mob. They yelled " Fire," " Murder. 
Where's Saul? 

Judas 
Oh, heavens ! 

Saul 
Be not afraid ! Saul fears them not. 

Barsabas 
Remember Stephen! 

Saul 
Remember ! Ah, how his face did shine ! 



@)aul of Car0U0 89 

Barsabas 
How he was stoned to death, canst thou forget? 
What a man soweth that shall he reap. 

Saui. 
Be not so unkind as to wound anew, 
Send not a poisoned arrow to mj heart ; 
Remorse has a serpent's tooth, dread remorse ; 
For dear Stephen's death no price can pay. 
Ah, his sweet face did beam a solar light ; 
Heaven grant me to witness in his stead. 

Ananias 
For a wider purpose wert thou called! 
Unto the heathen shalt thou testify. 

Dorcas 
Oh, this peril that doth o'ershadow thee; 
What a pity that thou shouldst die so soon. 
Already thy murderers are at the door. 

Saul 
Courage, friends! What is death.? The 

sooner dead, 
The fewer pains and heartaches do we feel. 
God in mercy ofttimes shortens life 
To lengthen out man's meed of happiness. 
Let each man, then, abide his precious time, 
Giving care and sorrow to the winds. 
Through His divine enswathing providence 



90 S)aul of Car0us! 

No arrow finds its way until he wills ; 
What we blindly call misfortune, is good 
Unrecognized by dimly visioned eyes ; 
All luck, eternal purpose unforeseen ; 
And chance, omniscience misunderstood. 
God sits enthroned above this world and rules. 
Fear not ! There are no mishaps. 

Ananias 

This is a pretty speech and wisely framed ; 
Now apply it to thine own advantage. 
For heaven's sake, curb immoderate zeal, 
And rush not headlong out of life ! 

Benjamin 

They come two blocks away, with clubs and 

stones ; 
They enter every house. Behold them! 

Ananias 
Saul must leave Damascus. 'Tis time. 

Barsabas 

The gates are watched both day and night — 
How shall he now escape? 

Judas 

Is there no secret place beneath this floor .^^ 
Then to the roof let him quickly go ! 



§)aul of Car0U0 91 

Dorcas 
Is there no basket here of ample size, 
That o'er these massive walls he might descend? 

Barsabas 
They come two doors away. Haste ! Haste ! 
[Saul, Benjamin and Dorcas to house 
topi 

Ananias 
Let us be cheerful, hopeful, talkative. 

Judas " 
Lock the door ; trust not to outward aspect ! 

Barsabas 
Open wide the door ; disarm suspicion ! 
[Enter Mob and searcK] 

Man 
Ananias, we know thee! Where is Saul? Tell 
us? 

Ananias 
Above Damascus. 

Mob 
Above Damascus ? A base hypocrite ! 
Thou dost lie — get out ! He's not dead. 
[They smite hvm^ 

Another 
And this is Judas. Shame, Sir! Tell us of 
Saul's whereabouts? 



92 ^ml of Car0U0 

Judas 
Out of Damascus. 

Mob 
A vile deceiver ! 

Another 
And this is Barsabas, his witness ! 
Tell us, where is Saul? 

Barsabas 
Away from Damascus. 

Mob 
A firm of liars ; scourge 'em ! 
[They scourge and go^ 

Judas 
\_Calls up'\ 
Benjamin! 

Benjamin 
He's safe ! 

Dorcas 
Safe! 

[Exeunfl 



ACT IV 
PAUL IN ANTIOCH 



DRAMATIS PERSONJE 



apostles 



Paul 

Barnabas 

John 

Mark 

Agabus, a prophet 

Lucius 1 

JuDAH y Christians 

Manaen J 

Miriam, daughter to Judah 

Simeon, a Jew 

Demetrius, a merchant 

Leodice, wife to Demetrius 

Helena, a Grecian princess 

Jason, son to Helena 

Greeks, Romans, Jews, officers, servants. 



SCENE I 

Place: House of Judah. 

Present: Judah, Simeon, Lucius and Ma- 

NAEN. 

Simeon 
Judah, thou art true to thy good name! 
Indeed, a very prince in Israel, 
To receive with open arms and lavish 
With thy generous hospitality 
Those who are but strangers in this vast me- 
tropolis. 
We feel unworthy of so great a kindness. 

Judah 

Sometimes 'tis the happy lot of man 

To shelter angels unawares ; 

May heaven often grant me such a boon 

As now it hath become my privilege ! 

If brethren are not kind to brethren, 

Then affection weareth but the semblance 

And noble deeds are but an empty show. 

Let love give itself in generousness 

Else it surfeits on its own abundance; 

And when dead, we are poor indeed. 
95 



96 ^aul of Car0U0 

Simeon 
Dear Judah, thou dost put us at our ease. 
Love brought us liither, from whence, thou 
knowest. 

Judah 
Well do I know. From Jerusalem — 
There these eyes first saw the light ; 
These feet learned to walk ; these lips to lisp. 
Knowest thou not we are all akin? 

Lucius 
Paul's born in Tarsus, Barnabas in Cyprus, 
Thou in Jerusalem, and I in Cyrene ; 
And yet, dear Sir, we are all consanguine. 
Out of one blood God has made the nations ; 
And by faith we must recognize our kinship. 
Asia, Europe and Africa 
Yet shall know one dear heavenly Father, 
And shall bow at one great family altar. 

Manaen 
Judah, how farest thou in Antioch.? 

Judah 
In this free city we have prospered much ; 
Unmolested have we always worshipped; 
In numbers increased and multiplied; 
The harvest's ripe. Barnabas is o'erworked ; 
Now he is at Tarsus seeking helpers. 



^aul of Car0U0 97 

Heathen temples are crowded here bj day ; 
The groves of Daphne swarm with votaries by 

night; 
Men blindly feeling after God 
If haply they might find him, — 
Jews, Greeks, Romans, Barbarians. 

Simeon 
He came not save to the lost sheep of Israel. 

Lucius 
No Israelite am I, yet I am saved. 
Art thou still oblivious to the truth? 
From that Caesarean housetop 
Did not Peter receive his Apocalypse.'' 
Was not he convinced? Hath he not spoken? 
How darest thou call that vile or unclean 
Which God in mercy hath vouchsafed to 
cleanse? 

JUDAH 

What saith the great Master? "Whoso be- 

lieveth ! " 
Salvation, then, is surely for the Jew; 
No less, however, for the Gentile too. 

Manaen 

He who would circumscribe Heaven's purpose 
With narrowness or gross intolerance 
Is no less guilty of rank heresy 



98 Saul of Cat0U0 

Than he who bolsters up a gilded falsehood 
Or drives a shaft into the heart of truth ; 
At last his weapon falls upon himself, 
And he must feel the smart of its keen edge. 
[Enter Barnabas and Saul] 

JUDAH 

Welcome, dear Barnabas! 

Barnabas 
And this is brother Saul, of Tarsus. 

Paul 
Call me not Saul, lest thej know me as of old. 
I am no longer Saul, but Paul ; 
Identical, yet not the very same ; 
I am my other self made new again. 
I'm born into this world the second time. 
Tell me, now, from whence these other friends.? 

Barnabas 
Jerusalem. 

Saul 
No stranger, then, indeed, am I to them. 

Simeon 
I saw thee oft with Gamaliel. 

Manaen 
And without the gate, when Stephen was stoned. 



^aul of Car0U0 99 

JUDAH 

And when thou wert haling men and women, 

And flogging and imprisoning them ; 

So hot thou madest it, I fled to Antioch. 

Lucius 
Wast thou not in Caesarea about six years ago? 

Paul 
How strangely doth a man's past cling to him ; 
Oblivion doth seem to have no place. 
Either for good or bad, in this great world. 
Saul still doth live within thy memory ; 
Paul pities Saul and seeks thy pardon. 
Yet I'm no longer Saul ; the dross's consumed ; 
And now I come to off^er thee the gold; 
'Tis love and friendship that I bring. 

JuDAH 

Most gladly do we welcome thee. 
\_Knocks. Enters Agabus] 

JuDAH 

Agabus ! Brethren ! This is Agabus ! 

Paul 
God's prophet ! Let us hear him ! 

Simeon 
And from Jerusalem? When camest thou? 
We would hear thee ; speak ! 



100 ©aul of Cat0U0 

Agabus 
My heart is deeply burthened with a grief. 
Hath some Elijah sent this famine down 
That Jerusalem now doth suffer hunger? 

Barnabas 
Welcome prophet ! Unwelcome prophecy ! 
But since we do hold all things in common, 
A warmer welcome ; a fuller response 
Shall Jerusalem find in fair Antioch's 
Generous heart ! 

Simeon 
Come, let us inaugurate this speech ; 
Since to need we owe a lasting debt, 
We now should prove ourselves but honest men, 
And show ourselves fit sponsors of His trust. 

Paul 
Seize each noble impulse and spur it on! 
Victory perches on such a firm resolve; 
The heart once stirred and doth not promptly 

act 
Is hardened by its derelictions ; 
But let it give itself to golden deeds. 
Keep pace with swift winged opportunities. 
And it shall feed upon the fatted ox 
And sit at last with princes and with kings. 

\_Exeunt'] 



SCENE II 

Place: Palace of Helena. Reception room. 
Present: Helena a/nd Jason. 

Jason 
Mother, this change that's come into my life 
Hath brought its sweetest gift of happiness ; 
I would publish His dear name abroad. 

Helena 

My Son! To find and know the Christ is per- 
fect peace. 
And since we both have hap'ly found Him, 
We to the world owe that saving knowledge : 
Not to pay this debt is to deny Him. 
Paul and Barnabas to-day arrive. 
To-night perchance thou shalt see and hear 
them. 

Jason 
Then I shall be happy. 

\_Enter Lucius, Simeon, Manaen] 

Lucius 

Beloved Princess ! Pardon this delay ! 
101 



102 Saul of Car0U0 

Much harder still has been our work to-day ; 
But many confessed His dear name. 

Helena 
I could almost wish thou hadst not come ; 
The time is brief in which this work is done, 
And Paul and Barnabas do tarry still. 

Lucius 
Soon they shall arrive. 

Helena 
With what news? 

Lucius 

Good news. 

[Enter Paul, Barnabas, Judah and 
John] 

Hei^na 
Be seated! How prospereth Jerusalem? 

Barnabas 
Good news! The church doth increase and 
multiply. 

Paul 
Bad news ! The apostles decrease. They cru- 
cify. 

Helena 
Horror! Why, then, the good doth feed the 
bad. 



@)aul of Car0U0 los 

And the bad doth but increase the good. 
This world's a paradox. 

JUDAH 

Then to agree ! We see what we do not see. 
Or wouldst thou say, we do not see what we see.'' 

Simeon 

Some have eyes to see and see not. 

Manaen 
And some have ears to hear and hear not. 

Baenabas 
Where seeing eyes are blind, and hearing ears, 

deaf. 
Life is but a prosy and insipid thing — 
The future darkness and delusion. 

Manaen 
And still thou sayest they do persecute.? 

Barnabas 
Still, dear Manaen, they do persecute ; 
Yet what blessings ofttimes it conceals ; 
Sweet may be the fruits of prosperity. 
But sweeter far those of adversity. 
And how often must we this lesson learn ; 
Sorrow rolls away the stone from the heart 
That mercy may go forth to minister 
Till love arise with songs of new born joy. 



104 Saul of Car0U0 

Manaen 
Who was the last to die? 

Paul. 

James ! Ambitious Herod slew him with the 
sword ; 

What a loss ! 'Tis the price we pay for ty- 
rants. 

Manaen 
'Tis not strange, for Herod is ambitious ; 
Everywhere, and always, he worships Herod; 
To gratify his pride or win more fame 
He would e'en dare to sacrifice a God ; 
To feed his lust, slay ten thousand priests. 

Paul 
Thou dost know him well. 

Manaen 

Poor sordid soul, to be eaten of worms ! 
Already one doth gnaw at his conscience ; 
It makes him nervous and suspicious. 

John 

Deeply crimsoned are his murd'rous hands. 
With the blood of many martyred saints. 
When he saw the death of James pleased the 

Jews, 
He gloated o'er it with a demon-laugh ; 



^aul of Car0U0 105 

Then sought out Peter with a fierce intent, 
Had him bound and cautiously imprisoned. 

Helena 
Was Peter martyred? 

John 
Heaven in great mercy intervened, 
And put a stop to his infernal scheme. 
When angels come to visit praying saints, 
Then prison walls to their foundation shake 
And kingly bands are burst asunder. 
Peter was freed most miraculously ; 
And when this news came to Herod's ears, 
He measured death to every vanquished guard 
And in terror fled to Cassarea ; — 
There in pomp proclaimed himself a God, 
And fools fell down and worshipped him. 

JUDAH 

Shame ! 

Helena 
How about the famine? 

Barnabas 
Oft in hunger have they been of late, 
But ate that bread of which the world knows 
not. 

Paul 
And this famished world must have that bread ; 



106 Saul of Car0U0 

It famishes and knows not that it famishes ; 

Poor mortals, indeed, so richly blest, 

And yet perish at heaven's very gate. 

Who will teach them how to find this manna ; 

Who will lead them to the living waters ; 

Who'll go? Let each man question his own 

heart, 
And see what mercy he's received, 
What a lasting debt he owes, and follow me. 

[Exeunt] 



SCENE III 

Place: House of Demetrius. 

Present: Leodice, Helena and Jason. 

Helena 

Leodice, dost thou leave us so soon? 
When wilt thou return to fair Ephesus? 

Leodice 

No sooner than my husband's ships arrive ; 
Six months we are wont to spend in Antioch and 
six in Ephesus. 

Helena 

Indeed! How lovely to divide the time 

Between two places of such loveliness. 

And Demetrius, thy husband, too shall come.? 

Leodice 

Assuredly ! And he is now past due. 
[Knoclis^ enters Demetrius] 

Demetrius 

Leodice! my beloved wife! 

Didst thou look for me to-day? 
107 



108 ^aul of Car0U0 

Leodice 
And most patiently have awaited thee. 
Thou didst leave me happy, found me happier. 
Demetrius, I am now a Christian. 
Did Paul and Barnabas come with thee? 
They have been on a journey of the Chrestus. 

Demetrius 
Two apostles of a Chrestus came. 
Plague on my business, I prophesy it. 

\_Knock. Enter Paul, Barnabas, Judah, 
Simeon, Manaen] 

Leodice 

Welcome ! Welcome ! 

And this is my husband, Demetrius. 
^Greetings] 

Paul 
[To Leodice] 

I do welcome thee into his fellowship, 

And do wish thee blessings greater far 

Than thoughts or words or speech can e'er con- 
vey. 

Confession is an open sesame 

Wherein, if from the heart 'tis rightly made. 

Insures thee full divine forgiveness. 

Manaen 
Will Paul and Barnabas be so generous 
As now to tell us of their journeyings? 



©aul of Car0u0 109 

Paul 

Speak, Barnabas, speak! 

Barnabas 

Thou knowest the very time we left thee, 

And on what mission we forsooth departed. 

From here we went direct to Selucia ; 

Then, setting sail, we came to Salamis, 

Where in the ancient tinseled synagogue 

Proclaimed the everlasting truth ; 

Then, crossing Cyprus, long the Roman way. 

We reached the little town of Paphas ; 

Here Sergius Paulus was converted, 

And Elymas, a noted sorcerer. 

Was stricken down with blindness. 

And then we journeyed on from place to place. 

In Pergu, Mark deserted us ; 

In Antioch they rudely cast us out ; 

In Lystra many Gentiles confessed the Christ. 

Simeon 

Many Jews are yet in darkness. Lament ! 

Manaen 

This world's not saved by melancholy moods ; 
Then let not a wet eyed pessimist, 
Peradventure, damper our dear resolves ; 
But joy and hope revive inward purpose. 
And arm us to a glorious victory. 



110 ®aul oJ Car0U0 

Leodice 
We would hear Paul. 

JUDAH 

Sir, we do entreat thy testimony ! 

Paul 
I do vouch for all dear Barnabas hath said ; 
He spoke the truth and nothing but the truth ; 
But not all of the truth; the half of truth 
May be falsehood ; and half of falsehood, truth ; 
And then the truth may be divided 
Into parts ; and each part, a part of truth ; 
So with what eagerness should we seize 
Each supplement until we grasp the whole ; 
Give ear, then, to my added testimony. 
In Antioch, as 'twere so amply told. 
We incurred the hatred of the Jews ; 
In Lystra I was stoned unlawfully. 
And rudely dragged beyond the city's gate; 
And this were done, indeed, for mercy's sake, 
For having healed a man most impotent. 

JuDAH 

And not a friend hadst thou in Lystra ? 

Paul 
A friend, indeed, whose gracious memory 
Proves the antidote to many sorrows ; 
In Lystra, remember, Eunice lives, 



@)aul of Cat0U0 iii 

Whose son's predestined to a noble life, — 
Timothy is already much beloved. 
There the Gentiles heard the gospel gladly ; 
And we do count our sufferings naught 
To the glory that's revealed. 

Manaen 
With what success this precious truth wins its 
Way, this wicked world shall pause and wonder ; 
Matched with falsehood, the rankest error 
Doth bristle up and quickly run away, 
While resplendent truth marches on like the sun, 
Waxing stronger to the perfect day. 

Barnabas 
How prospereth the church in Antioch? 

JUDAH 

Trouble! The Jews ! The Jews ! The Jews! 
Hidebound Jews, uncircumcised of heart ! 
The grace of Christ they make of no effect; 
Circumcision is their baldfaced cry; 
Without it no man shall see salvation. 
And they purport themselves from Jerusalem, 
Where truth's spoken with divine authority. 

Simeon 

Yea, they believe not one jot or tittle 
Of this precious law shall e'er pass away 
Till all by each shall be fulfilled. 



112 §aul Of Car$ii0 

Paul 

Chain not the truth ; the truth doth make us 

free; 
Give it free course. The hiw by Moses came, 
And has its lawful use; but grace and truth 
By Christ Himself, the Master of the law. 
See, then, that ye are circumcised of heart, 
That faith ma}- enter there and work by love. 

Simeon 
They come with authority from Jerusalem. 

Paul 
'Tis incredible, most incredible ; 
Hath wisdom forgotten her votaries. 
And prejudice so blinded sweet reason.'^ 
To Jerusalem shall we go and verify. 

\_Kjiocks; enters offieer'\ 
Officer 
Ho ! Are Simeon and Manaen present ? 
Good Lucius desires them ; make haste ! 
There's trouble in the synagogue. 

Manaen 
Come! We must away! 

JUDAH 

Will Paul and Barnabas stay.? 

Manaen 
Follow me! 

[Exeunfl 



SCENE IV 

Place: House of Judah. 

Present: Judah, Miriam, Helena and Jason. 

Judah 
This very night Paul and Barnabas arrive ; 
From the holy council they bring tidings 
As what pertains of vast mosaic rites ; 
I cherish the hope of peace among us, 
And hereafter sweet concord forever. 

Helena 

I do pray thy hope a good prophecy; 
Though deep rooted prejudice, where'er found. 
Is loth to learn the way of charity 
Or follow the voice of soberness and truth. 
Here's the way it works the world o'er, — 
Discord begets division ; division 
Weakness ; weakness downfall ; 
And then, perchance, comes swift destruction. 
Out of these rotten planks vile profligates 
Build a platform to ridicule the truth. 
And critics arm themselves with venom 
To attack the loving Christ. Ah, what fools we 
are, 

113 



114 Saul of Car0U0 

Not to knit ourselves into a golden band 
And profit by the wisdom of the world. 

JUDAH 

Be not dismayed nor discouraged 
In that a ripple plays upon the surface, 
Or now and then a fiercer storm should rise; 
Among the chosen twelve there was a Judas, 
And then Ananias and Sophia came. 
In all ages men play fast and loose with truth ; 
In Stephen's time Hebrew and Grecian widows 
Did most outrageously contend, and now 
In Antioch discord reigns among us ; 
The tares are to be found among the wheat ; 
Yet truth is truth, and God is God ; 
Who weds himself to these shall win. 
Remember! Paul prosecutes this work. 
In him God lives ; therefore, must succeed. 
\_Ej:eimt Judah and Helena] 

Miriam 
Jason, we have not seen thee for many days. 

Jason 
I've been among the hills of Silpius, 
Fishing in the beautiful Orontes, 
Loitering in the groves of Daphne ; 
But to-night I'm happy ; the moon doth beam. 

Miriam 
Is this the first night thou hast seen the moon ; 



@)aul of Car0U0 115 

Did it not shine on the hills of Silpius? 
Feelest thou no longing when thou art alone 
And the gentle moon is beaming on thee? 

Jason 
Ah, dear Miriam, how oft I've felt it ; 
And it seemed as though I had a heart string 
And some sweet angel were pulling thereat. 
Then I've gone in search, but could not find her. 

Miriam 
Since I'm a Christian I do love the more ; 
It may not be the moon that gives me such a 
passion. 

Jason 
When first I saw thee in the synagogue, 
Ere I learnt discipleship, I felt it ; 
And I do swear, it is not all the moon. 

Miriam 
Dear me ! Hast thou heard the odious name 
They have given to His followers? 

Jason 

What? 

Miriam 
They call us Christians. The Romans first 

did it. 
And now it lives on every tongue. 
They ridicule, point the finger of scorn! 



116 @)aul of Car0U0 





Jason 


Carest thou? 






Miriam 


I care not. 





Jason 

Then what matters it. 'Twill be a tonic 
To strengthen us unto his holy will. 
[Enter Judah and Helena] 

JUDAH 

Have they not yet arrived? 
Miriam 
They must come now! Methinks I hear them. 
[Enter Simeon and Lucius] 

Helena 
Hast thou seen Paul and Barnabas? 

Lucius 
They come with Silas and Barnabas ! Good 
news ! 

Judah 
Glory ! 

[Enter Manaen, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, 
and Barsabas] 

Judah 
Our hopes and prayers be answered here this 
night. 



§)aul of Car0U0 117 

Barnabas 
Happy are we, glad tidings thus to bring ; 
In my hand I hold a written verdict 
From the council, signed by James and Peter, 
John and the rest ; and here stand two holy 
Witnesses to vouch what they have written. 

JUDAH 

What said they? Let us have the news. 

Barnabas 
'Twere a needless rite for gentiles to be 
Circumcised; Christ knows neither Greek nor 

Jew; 
Circumcision nor uncircumcision ; 
Barbarian, Cythian ; bond nor free ; 
The middle wall of partition is broken down ; 
They may marry or in marriage be given. 

Miriam 
Jason ! 

Simeon 
What said Peter.? I do love Mosaic rites. 

Barnabas 
Peter still retains his manly vigor. 
And his tongue grows no less eloquent; 
He argued well the case and sided with us ; 
He himself had seen it in a vision 
That God is no respecter of persons, 



118 ©aul of Car0ii0 

So he first welcomed in the Gentiles ; 
Nor must thou lay a yoke on any man, 
Nor yet a single grievous burden 
That thou thyself wouldst not deign to bear. 
What high heaven has thus abrogated 
Must not now be cruelly enforced ; 
And what anew he now^ enforces, 
Must never be abolished. The rites 
Of Moses the cross of Christ abolish ; 
Yet the law of Moses we still must bind 
About our neck and in deep love obey. 
Let all the people hear! 

Barsabas 
I do vouch for what is said. 

Silas 
Andl — 

JUDAH 

Our troubles come not singly. Be it known 
They now do ridicule ; they call us Christians. 

Paul 
Fools in their folly oft speak wiser 
Than they know. They have coined the right 

word; 
I'm Christ's man, therefore, am a Christian. 
Let us take the badge and gladly wear it. 

Manaen 
With Herod, persecution did not cease ; 



^aul of Car$u0 119 

The lamps of heaven doth not brightly beam 
Within this weary world without the breath 
Of heretics. The truth is hindered. 

Paul 
Let no infernal doings chill thy fervor ! 
That which hinders truth doth but aid the truth. 
Persecution increaseth witnesses ; 
The blood of martyrs mingleth with the sea ; 
Wound the lovely, — the more deeply you 

wound, 
The more you multiply her votaries ; 
Oppress the innocent, and all heaven 
Shall rain full panoplied defenders. 

lExey/nt^ 



SCENE V 

Place: Palace of Helena. 

Present: Helena, Judah, Miriam, Jason. 

Helena 
I hold here an Egyptian manuscript, 
The gift of good Lucius. 

Judah 
A history of the Pharaohs? 
Helena 
It tells how Joseph climbed the rugged way 
From servitude to royalty, and so 
Became the mighty man of Pharaoh ; 
HoAv Moses descended from royalty 
And found a place among oppressed slaves. 
To become at last the mighty man of God. 

Judah 
How the lives of such immortal men 
Doth richly leaven this our common clay; 
And in our troubled hearts new hopes arise, 
Seraphic winged. Show thy manuscript.'^ 

Helena 
Come! 

[Exeunt Helena and Judah] 

130 



@)aul of Car0U0 121 

Miriam 
Why so sad? It wearies me. Art thou not 
well? 

Jason 
I am not sick, and yet I am not well ; 
My appetite refuses not its food; 
My pulse doth keep an even pace; 
The pain is here. [Hand on hearty 

Miriam 
Hast thou sinned? 

Jason 
I fear I'm on the verge of it. 

Miriam 
Confess ! 

Jason 
In just one month we leave fair Antioch ; 
Then we shall dwell in Thessalonica ; 
I wish thou livest in Thessalonica; 
I love — 

Miriam 
Love Thessalonica more than Antioch? 
[Enter Helena and Judah] 
[Exeunt Miriam and Jason] 

Helena 
Someone arrives so close on our heels ! 

[Enter Paxil, Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius] 



122 ^aul of Car0U0 

Paul 
Peace be on this house! 

Lucius 
We hear thou soon dost leave fair Antioch. 
Why such haste? Hast thou found a better 
place ? 

Helena 
Necessity is laid upon me, 
Therefore I go ; that must suffice. 

Paul 
'Tis enough. Let no one ask thee more ; 
In that word dwells a moral purpose : 
'Tis e'er the safest guide to honest folk ; 
Woe to me if I do not as I think, 
And feel in my conscience to be right. 
Duty is the pressure of God's hand; 
Let no man lightly lay it off. 
Helena 
Ah, how much precious time doth run to waste 
In useless foibles and formalities. 

Paul 
Yet this fair life we live is made of such ; 
We wash and dress, and eat and sleep, and fill 
Each day with trifling commonplaces ; 
Still, life could not be lived without them ; 
Heaven boons us with such prosy things 
That truth and gravity and sublimer deeds 



^aul of Car0u0 123 

May have a field for exhibition. 
Providence doth encompass skin and teeth, 
To work out her fair purposes on earth; 
And swift obedience to the laws of health 
Doth make us strong to keep the laws of God. 

Barnabas 
Well said ; the least thing done unto the least 
Doth measure well the height and breadth and 

depth 
Of love and gratitude. Who has no time 
For smaller things shall never see the great. 

JUDAH 

Dost thou also leave, dear Barnabas.? 

Barnabas 
The gospel must be preached unto the heathen. 

Paul 
God so loved the world! Canst thou believe it.? 
Then who can look into these ripened fields 
And live apostate? This thought doth give me 

pause. 
Ten million souls do grope beyond the sea ; 
And each is worth a world; each soul a world; 
How many worlds, then, tremble in the scales 
Of justice while we with mercy wait.? 
O love ! O love ! That hath no broken wing ! 
Fly across the sea ! Fly across the sea ! 

\_Exeunt~\ 



ACT V 
PAUL IN CORINTH 



DRAMATIS PERSONJE 

Paul 

Timothy 

Silas 

Aquila 

Priscilla, wife to Aquila 

Orpah, niece to Priscilla 

-r^ > Christians from Athens 

Damaris J 

Crispus, a deputy 

Justus, a citizen 

JusTiNiA, wife to Justus 

SosTHENEs, a Jew 

Galuo, Roman deputy 

Greeks, Romans, officers, etc. 



SCENE I 

Place: House of Aquila. 

Present: Aquila, Priscilla and Orpah. 

Orpah 
A full half-hour have I looked for thee ; 
Why tarriest so long? 

Priscilia 
Dear child, for these two years, since in Cor- 
inth, 
We have not heard such eloquence. 

Orpah 
Pray tell whose lips that gave such fervent 
speech? 

Priscilla 
A stranger, my dear child. His name is Paul ; 
The priests did give a most attentive ear, 
And on each word did hang with breathless 

pause ; 
Aquila, too, did lean unto his speech. 

AauiLA 
This great world is full of foggy-headed 
Philosophers, who can moralize; 
127 



128 ^ml o( Car0u0 

Then let one man but speak the living truth 
From his heart as he doth know and feel it, 
And if it purports heavenly wisdom, 
Eventually, we shall follow him. 

Priscilla 
Thou didst speak with him at close of service? 

Orpah 
Would that I had heard him. 

Aq-UII^ 
Have patience and, perchance, 'twill be. 
He's offered our hospitality. 
When in Pontus, I did know him well. 
This Saul of Tarsus, the noted Pharisee ; 
Like Abram he hath changed his goodly name. 
Yet he shall come to dwell with us ; 
Then thou shalt see and hear him. 

Priscilla 

In this house? Then perchance some far off 

good 
Is born of persecution. Let us hope ! 
We loved dear Rome ; Corinth we shall love. 
When Caesar in hot rage expelled us, 
The heart did make one hopeless bitter cry. 
And all heaven seemed oblivious ; 
But we are not forgot; time's propitious. 
And in her deep womb there is concealed 



S)aul of Cat0U0 129 

A most precious balm for pain and sorrow ; 
The illest wind doth blow some lasting good 
To each dear heart that can receive it. 

Orpah 
What precious ointment is this thou pourest 
With lavish hand on foolish discontent. 
I know not which has troubled me the most, 
The mysteries of suffering, 
Or the sufferings of mystery. 
This life we live is darkly labyrinthed ; 
And we like house flies, often cobwebbed 
In daily innocent meanderings, 
Must be disentangled ; 

Still thou dost say the distant goal is fair ; 
The best, forsooth, is always yet to be ; 
Feed languid hope on such sweet nutriment, 
And happiness shall live. 

AauiLA 
Had old Corinth not been by flames consumed. 
New Corinth would not rise so gloriously ; 
On the dead past the living present rests. 
And from this vantage ground the future builds. 
From this housetop thou seest ships go out to 

sea. 
Yet thy horizon reacheth not so far. 
Climb Acrocorinthus to the very top. 
And then fair Athens clearly looms to view ; 
Struggle to the summit of Parnassus, 



130 Saul Dt Car0U0 

And this wide world doth lie before thy feet. 
The loftier the heights we do attain, 
The wider and more grand the outlook ; 
Let none who will not leave these dirty streets 
Dare to curse their fate ; they will not see. 
[Knocks; enter Paul and Crispus] 

AauiLA 
Welcome, friends! And this is Orpah, our 
niece ! 

Paul 
Thou wert not in the synagogue to-day. 

AauiLA 
How soon that preacher must succeed 
Who recognizes absent faces. 
And when didst thou leave Tarsus? 

Paul 
Very long ago. 'Twas a providence. 
And what strange things have crowded in be- 
tween 
I shall perchance unfold to you 
As occasion gives me utterance. 

Cmspus 
But art thou not directly from Athens.? 

Aquila 
What thinkest thou of the Athenians.? 



§)aul of Cat0u0 i3i 

Paul 
Too religious; 

Should all the gods desert fair Athens, 
Mount Olympus would be o'ercrowded. 
They have leaped imagination's bounds 
In searching after the invisible, 
And in gross conceit and dark confusion 
Worship now in sin and ignorance ; 
In their groves doth dwell philosophy. 
And in their streets and broad Agora 
Foolish men do seem to talk most wisely ; 
They do swear to be his holy offspring, 
But like poor fools bow down to wood and 

stones. 
Beware ! When pleasure takes the heart of 

man. 
And prejudice doth blind his eyes. 
Philosophy goes limping through the groves. 
Wisdom grows the more insatiate. 
And superstition thrives. Mark my words, 
Athens is doomed. Cultured Athens ! 
Now she will not hear. Then 'twill be too late. 

Priscilia 
Corinth will hear. 

Cmspus 
Reluctantly, I fear, for so it seems ; 
The evidence is quite ostensible. 
The Greeks ridicule ; the Romans oppose ; 



132 S)aul of Cat0U0 

Sometimes our foes are found among our 
friends ; 

The smile that often beams with fairest greet- 
ings 

Hideth a green-eyed monster in the breast ; 

And he who reaches forth a welcome hand 

Carries, betimes, concealed a poisoned dagger; 

To-day the fickle world in happy mood 

May perchance enthrone thee as a God; 

To-morrow, stone thee as a mongrel cur. 

Who knoweth what a Caesar shall not do ? 

Ah, what malice man weareth in his heart 

Makes me sad and almost puts me weeping. 

Paul 

'Tis better to trust in him who changeth not 
Than to put thy confidence in princes. 
Fear not him who lacerates the body. 
And when that is dead, he can do no more ; 
Fear him who's lord of both body and soul. 
And hath power to cast them into hell. 

Crispus 

Say not hell, when thou speakest to the people ; 
I fear it is much too strong a word; 
It grates upon their finer feelings 
And puts them shivering inwardly. 
And when 'tis done, they feel they're slipping 
in. 



@)aul of Cat0U0 133 

Beware! Lest thou stirreth them too deeply, 
And they learn to hate thee. 

Paul 
Coat not hell o'er with a golden tinsel, 
Nor yet pave it with a velvet lining; 
Strew not the way with sweet scented roses, 
Nor urge the heart with voluptuous music 
Interspersed with wine and painted creatures ; 
Else this fair world will slip right into hell 
Ere it awakens to its danger. 
Let all men see the fire and the brimstone, 
And so feel the pain and woe awaiting. 
Preach hell, sir, with a fearful vengeance. 
With hot tears rolling down thy pallid cheek. 
If thou wouldst save this world from worldli- 

ness 
And bring it humbly to the Master's feet. 

[Exeunt '] 



SCENE n 

Place: House of Justus. 

Present: Justus, Justinia, Aquila and Pris- 

CILLA. 

AauiLA 
Since the Jews do rashly seek Paul's hurt, 
And 'tis expedient that he go away, 
Happy are we that thou dost receive him; 
Henceforth, peace shall be upon thine house. 

Justus 
We do commiserate thy grievous loss. 
Yet thou canst rejoice 'twill be another's gain. 

Priscilla 
We are very loth to give thee gain. 

Justinia 
Knowest thou that good Dionysius 
And Damaris have arrived from Athens .f' 
Yesterday they were in the synagogue, 
There, when Paul persuaded many people. 

AauiLA 
Madam ! Are these Athenians Christians ? 

Heard they Paul in the midst of Mars Hill.? 
134 



®aul of Car0U0 135 

JUSTINIA 

And have come to Corinth to hear again. 

[^Knocks; enter Dionysius and Damaris] 

Justus 
These are our Athenian friends. 

JUSTINIA 

Welcome ! 

Priscilla 
Knewest thou Paul in Athens .? How long 
since ? 

Dionysius 
In Athens we saw, heard, and believed ; 
On Mars Hill he reasoned like a god; 
'Twas just three months ago he left us. 

Damaris 
Yea ! 'Tis all a mystery — I am changed, 
And here my knowledge ends ; the how is His. 
Like the wind that bloweth where it listeth 
And no man telleth whence it cometh, 
So it is when born into His kingdom. 
I now do hate the sins that once I loved ; 
And have learned to love what once I hated. 
[^Enter Paul, Silas, Timothy] 

Timothy 
Beloved, I do bid you all rejoice; 



136 ^aul of Car0U0 

I am the bearer of most welcome news, — 
Crispus and liis house are saved. 

Justus 
With the synagogue fast joined to this house, 
And Crispus, good fellow, now a Christian, 
We might cut an entrance through this wall, 
And so monopolize these services. 

Paul 
No foul play shall win eventually ; 
Therefore, sir, with all fairness and good will 
We shall fearlessly prosecute our work. 
And usurp the lawful rights of none. 
When good men fall to unholy deeds 
To win success or make a show of fame, 
God sits in judgment; and like an arrow 
Swift to his mark, vengeance shall repay. 
The Lord's work must he done most honorably : 
If thou but let the devil wedge his way 
Into our midst, through priestly jealousies. 
Sects shall multiply, and the world be damned. 

Timothy 

Beloved! Most wise and prudent counsel; 
Small differences cast great men asunder 
Ofttimes, to bless or curse their cause. 

[Enter Crispus] 
There's a mighty howl among the Jews ; 
They seek me with most violent hands ; 



^aul of Car0U0 137 

They do gnash their teeth and cry apostate ; 
They swear Paul an accursed fool ; 
In anger have appealed to Gallio ; 
And vow that only Rome can save us. 

Paul 
Be calm ! Beloved Crispus, be thou calm ! 
There is a wisely ordered providence 
That encompasses the lives of good men 
And protects their cause from swift destruc- 
tion. 
Till the time is ripe no man can do thee hurt ; 
Let no bold threats, therefore, abate thy zeal, 
Nor yet frighten thy gifted tongue to silence. 
[Exeunfl 



SCENE III 

Place: Court of Justice. 

Present: Gallic, Crispus, citizens, officers. 

Gallic 

Crispus, what news is this I hear of thee ? 
Dost stand in disrepute among the Jews? 
Hast been expelled from the synagogue ; 
Branded an outlaw, a fox, a pig ; — 
What wicked ways hast thou been going? 

Crispus 

Noble Gallic ! Be it known to thee, 

None, save the ways of soberness and truth. 

Let not cunning pious-spoken lies 

E'er beguile thee into false beliefs ; 

Nor yet Jewish hatred stir thee to a 

Hellish purpose. What I have done, all who 

Walk these streets of Corinth may see and 

know. 

If thou dost blame me for hearing the truth. 

Then I plead most guilty. If thou dost judge 

Me for following my own dear conscience, 

Then I stand condemned. 
138 



@)aul of Cat0U0 139 

Gallic 
Ah, then ! 'Tis a question of religion ; 
And o'er zeal hath hardened to intolerance. 

Cmsptrs 
I fear thou speakest the very truth. 

Gallic 
'Tis a pity when pious men become 
So sacrilegious as to cut each other's throats. 
In this matter the gods sit in judgment; 
I am here in Caesar's interests ; 
Civil rulers must not coin religious rites. 

Crispus 
Divine speech! Thou art fit for Caesar's 

friend ; 
Thou indeed well mightest be a Caesar. 

Gallic 
This morning a message I received, 
Purporting from a certain Sosthenes. 
Last night a certain Paul, he tells us. 
Was apprehended for most grievous crimes. 
This day I sit in judgment over him; 
Already 'tis high time they do arrive. 
Knowest thou this man and what his crimes.? 

Crispus 
I know him well ; 
And, too, how well he can defend himself; 



140 ©aul of Car0us! 

I would not plead his cause ere he arrives, 
Lest I might do him grave injustice. 

[Enter Sosthenes with Paul, Jews, citi- 
zens'] 

Gallic 

Ho! Let the officers keep the way clear! 
The court must now get down to business. 
Sosthenes, thy message was received, 
And I am come to hear thy grievances. 
Speak briefly, to the point ; no time to waste ; 
Thy tardiness demands our expeditiousness. 

Sosthenes 

Thy Honor! This man is not Caesar's friend. 
And I have witnesses to prove it. 

Gallic 

Bring forth thy witnesses. Let them testify. 

Sosthenes 

Come ! My witnesses ! 

First Witness 

He preached in the synagogue; 

Stirred the people ; and Crispus followed him. 

Second Witness 

He brought his friends with him to Corinth, 
And they do help him in his work. 



@aul of Cat0u0 i4i 

Third Witness 
They decry the holy rites of Moses, — 
Most wicked blasphemers ! 

Gallic 
Enough! Sosthenes, why dost thou murder 

time 
And weary me with such rotten testimony? 

Sosthenes 
Sir ! He's a blasphemer, agitator. 
An apostate, a stirrer up of strife, 
A mover of seditions. 

Paul 
Most just, trusted and worthy Gallio! 
With thy leave I'm happy to make defense. 
I cherish. Sir, no vituperations 
For these, my merciless calumniators. 

Gallic 
Sir, there is no occasion for defense; 
'Tis rather thine to prosecute. 

Crispus 
Sosthenes hath o'erleaped the bounds of truth. 

Greek 
He lies ! Choke him ! 

Second Greek 
And swears it to be the truth ; scourge him ! 



142 Saul of Car0U0 

Gallic 
Let this hall be quickly cleared of Jews ! 

Third Greek 
Sosthenes must feel the cords ; smite him ! 
Who wrongs others should not go unpunished. 
Let him be flogged, and on his naked back. 

[They seize Mm and heat Mm before the 
judgment seaf] 

Gallic 
Order in this room ! Fighting curs, begone ! 
Caesar's interests demand more sober times ! 
\_Ea:eunt~\ 



SCENE IV 

Place: House of Justus. 

Present : Justus, Crispus and Paul. 

Justus 
Poor hide of Sosthenes ! It must feel fresh 
For the vats, the Greeks did lash him so ! 

Crispus 
Justus! He did get but his just deserts; 
The thongs he nursed within his heart, 
To lacerate the flesh of brother Paul, 
Did wound and bruise and prick his own broad 

back. 
'Tis e'er so ! The fury man enkindleth 
With a hellish purpose, shall ere long become 
A conflagration to consume him. 

Paul 

And he who meets vile slander with a sweet 
Forgiving spirit, soon doth prejudice 
Both good and bad men in his favor. 

Crispus 
I wish Sir Gallio had heard thee through ; 

He would not have loved Sosthenes the less, 
143 



144 §)aul of Car0U0 

But truth the more. Ah, there's where he 
missed it! 

Paul 
The hearts of men are sometimes so enswarthed 
In self-conceit, or steeped in worldliness, 
That they forget the most propitious time, 
And so lose their only chance ; 
Yet day and night we must not cease to warn 

them. 
All time is most propitious for some soul; 
To-day, perchance, thou'lt find a willing ear, 
Some man on the eve of vast decision ; 
To-morrow he shall be a Christian, 
Or ever after lost. 

Justus 
Gallio is a very noble fellow. 
Kind of heart; I would he were a Christian. 

Crispus 
'Tis so, yet he hath a most grievous fault. 
I fear it tendeth to harden him. 

Paul 
What? 

Crispus 
A fearful temper ; married a woman. 
Grew angry with her, and divorced her; 
Then married a woman who grew angry 



^aul of Car0U0 i45 

With her husband and divorced him; 
And now he thinks to wed again. 

Paul. 
Adulterers ! What leprous spots are there 
That fester here on this our social world, 
Sapping the life of sweet morality, 
Paving the way to swift damnation. 

Justus 
Moral plagues ! Shun them ! 

Paul, 
Nay, treat them as gross profligates ; 
Be merciful ; cry " Repent " ; teach them virtue ; 
Urge confession then restitution ; — 
So they shall be eternally restored. 
Heaven still is merciful. Let them hear 
And beware, lest they forfeit future bliss. 

Crispus 
I fear 'tis better not to marry. 

Paul 
'Tis better, where man can so abide it; 
Yet this world will never be convinced. 
Then prevent it not, but hold it sacred; 
Let it be deeply grounded in Holy Love; 
Nourished with constant loving kindness ; 
Sustained with generous sympathies. 
Never marry till thou canst not help it ; 



146 ^aul of Cat0us 

And when married never doubt thy love; 
God is the author of this holy wedlock ; 
So take him in to such a covenant, 
And keep its bonds inviolate. 

\_Enter Timothy and Aquila] 

Timothy 
I do fear 

These Jews are suppressed to no effect ; 
To-day as I passed them on the street 
Their eyes flashed fire; their jaws were set; 
And one did stop and groan right out with rage, 
Then spat in poor Aquila's face. 

Justus 
Didst thou not smite him on his brazen cheek, 
And start a flood of penitential tears 
To quench the rising fire in his eyes ? 

Aquila 
That no uprising might again occur. 
We tempered our courage with a calmness. 
Firm and resolute ; 'tis better to forbear. 

Crispus 
Nobly done ! Answer anger not with wrath, 
Else thou increaseth the fury of the storm ; 
When cloud meets cloud in dark uproarious con- 
flict. 
The mighty earth doth tremble at our feet. 
And the lightning's flash is deadly. 



S)aul of Cat0U0 147 

Timothy 
I do feel 
That I should be in Thessalonica. 

Crispus 
Dost thou think it born of love or fear? 

Timothy 
Their sufferings do appeal to me; 
I would help them, beloved Crispus. 

Paul 
Go ! And going carry them our greetings ; 
While they do labour there with heavy heart. 
Assure them of our prayers and sympathies ; 
Comfort them with the Master's gracious 

words ; 
Let no man be dismayed nor discouraged 
In this work God has given us to do. 
He stands behind the mists and shadows ; 
He lives and rules, the everlasting God ; 
Nor earth nor hell shall e'er prevail against 

him. 
Let nothing shake thy calm repose; 
Go in peace ! 



ACT VI 
PAUL IN EPHESUS 



DRAMATIS PERSONJE 

Paul 

Apollos 

Timothy 

Aquila 

Priscilla 

TYrannus, school teacher 

Secundus 

Erastus 

Trophimus 

Gladysea, niece to Trophimus 

craftsmen 



> pupils to Tjrannus 



Alexander 1 

Demetrius J 

Leodice, wife to Demetrius 

Sceva and sons 

Town Clerk 

Officers, citizens, etc. 



SCENE I 

Place: House of Trophimus. 
Present: Trophimus, Gladysea, Aquila and 
Priscilla. 

Gladysea 
We hear thou dost bring some great one with 

thee, — 
A certain Paul, whom we have never seen. 
Where is he? 

pRISCILIiA 

Yesterday he left for Jerusalem, 
Where he attended the great passover; 
From thence he returns to Ephesus. 

Trophimus 
Didst thou always live in Corinth? 

Aquila 
First we lived in Pontus, then in Rome, 
And afterwards found our way to Corinth ; 
And 'twas there we met Paul, as if by chance ; 
But now we know, indeed, it was not so, 
But rather the choosing of kind Providence, 

It seems that in this world of mystery 
151 



152 %>ml of Cat0U0 

God doth make us friends and send them to us, 
And somewhere, somehow, we do hap'ly meet ; 
Two hearts made to love may dwell antipodel, — 
Restless they wander, till found and matched; 
Two lives created for a mutual good. 
Though intervened by time and space. 
By unknown ways shall at last arrive, 
Walk this world arm in arm together, 
Hear love's message, and then shall grow con- 
tent. 

Trophimus 
Studiest thou philosophy at Athens? 
Say not nay! Sir, thy speech betrayeth thee. 
Hast thou borrowed wisdom of dear Socrates? 

Aquila 
I have seen and felt heights and breadths and 

depths 
That good Socrates could only long for ; 
A greater far than Socrates hath come. 

Gladysea 
ApoUos ! Yea, beloved Apollos ! 
Eloquent and learned Apollos ! 

AauiiA 
Art thou a love sick maiden? Of whom 
Speakest thou? 

Gladysea 
Knowest thou not Apollos? 



Saul of Car0U0 153 

In Alexandria he was nobly born ; 
In Alexandria he lived and studied; 
In speech more eloquent than Mercurius ; 
In manner more refined than Cicero ; 
In reasoning more cogent than Zeno ; — 
Why, sir, he stirs the heart of Ephesus. 
Thou shouldst hang upon his golden tongue ; 
'Tis sweeter than Corinthian honey. 

Priscilla 
What doth he teach and where can he be heard? 

Trophimus 
This very hour, this very night, he comes ; 
In this very house shall be entertained ; 
A teacher and preacher of repentance ; 
A loyal disciple of the Baptist. 

Priscilla 
Does he preach in the temple of Diana? 

Trophimus 
'Twould be sacrilege to great Jupiter ; 
The Cayster would run dry, and Ephesus 
Would be swallowed in a sea of tumult. 
Heavens, no ! 

[Knocks; enter Apollos, Tyrannus and 
Secundus] 

Trophimus 
Aquila ! Priscilla ! This is ApoUos ! 



154 ^ml of Car0U0 

And his friends, Tyrannus and Secundus. 

Aquila 
Gentlemen, we know thy reputation, 
And deem that moment blest that brought you 
hither. 

Apollos 
I knew a man by thy name at Corinth ; 
He oft befriended there a certain Paul. 

Aquila 
I am he. 

APOI.I.OS 
Then thou canst tell me what's his message. 

Aquila 
Believe the Chrestus and thou shalt be saved. 

Priscilla 
What dost thou preach? 

Apollos 
Repentance! This great world doth lie in sin. 
And must flee the wrath to come or perish. 
My father knew the Baptist years ago ; 
Transmitted his dear message unto me; 
To this mission, then, I'm forever bound. 
To-day in the school of good Tyrannus 
Many heard and were forthwith baptized. 



Saul of Cat0u$ 155 

Aquila 
Thou hast, indeed, a goodly part of truth. 
And art most true to that which thou dost 

know; 
Sir, in this thou art to be commended. 
Thou hast not all of truth; lament it not; 
So still thou hast the pleasure of pursuit. 
Pray thy sincerity doth vouch for thee 
A fuller knowledge of divinity. 
Under Moses thou hast fought thy way 
But to the portal of eternal day. 

PRISCILLA 

The law by Moses came to show us sin and 

death ; 
Grace and truth by Christ, that we might see 

salvation. 

Aquii^ 

Will Apollos come with me away ; 

In such a place that brooks no interruptions? 

We have, at least, a common sympathy ; 

Our burdens and our hopes are much alike; 

Faith and love, perchance, may find a sweet ac- 
cord. 
[Exeunt '\ 



SCENE II 

Place: School of Tyrannus. 

Present: Tyrannus, Erastus and Secundus. 

Tyrannus 
How strange a thing to see with what 
A pace this world doth even up its odds, 
And still to know that seeming paradoxes 
Are but double sides of a Paduan quilt. 

Secundus 
All nature seems to prove a miracle. 

Tyrannus 

All nature scores indeed a providence ; 

Paul did plant the seed of truth in Corinth, 

And Apollo hath gone to water it ; 

Apollos sowed the seed in Ephesus, 

And Paul shall reap the ripened harvest. 

Dear Erastus, how quickly do we find 

That we are naught alone ; that this fair world 

Is bound indeed by stern necessity. 

No Moses e'er walked this cursed earth 

But at some most unpropitious time 

Needed a dear Aaron to hold erect 

His hands. 

156 



Saul of Car0U0 157 

Erastus 
I believe in Paul and ApoUos too. 

Tyrannus 

They stand together as well paid complements ; 
Apollos found the way into our hearts, 
But Paul did wisely supplement him. 
Apollos discovered to each the chain 
That bound him fast to swift destruction ; 
Paul, with most holy writ from Heaven's throne, 
Proclaimed deliverance full and free. 

Secundus 

How strange that man should feel himself thus 

lost 
Before salvation is desirable; 
That in his inmost heart he drinks the cup 
Of penitential woe and bitterness 
Ere sweet mercy tempers misery. 
And crowns deep sorrow with a bliss. 

Erastus 

O Secundus ! What care we for the way 
If each at last can say I love and trust ; 
What we've suffered and what escaped 
It matters not if, when the goal is reached. 
Unabashed, we can look Him in the face 
And hear Him speak, and know that we are 
blest. 



158 S)aul o( Car0U0 

Secundus 
Victory ! Ah, what glory in that word ! 
And yet, betimes I am perplexed, harassed 
With the thought of inglorious defeat. 
Why, yesterday my friend Futurus, 
While bravely fighting in the Stadium, 
Was lashed to death by a raging lion ; 
And Futurus had never known defeat. 
Then when the multitude cried for pity, 
As they beheld his mangled, bleeding frame, 
And his own fond lover ran too and fell 
On his dead body with impetuous sobs. 
Then the lion did slink away and hide. 
As if ashamed of such a cruel deed. 
But poor Futurus was inane to grief; 
He had failed, piteously failed. 
And yesterday in the Gymnasium 
Many I beheld, very swift of foot. 
But only one did win the race. 
\_Enter Paul and Aquila] 

Tyrannus 
Welcome ! Happy ! 

Aquila 

From Mount Prion we beheld them racing still 
to-day ! 

Erastus 
Strange coincidence that thou shouldst fall 



%>ml of Cat0ug 159 

So smoothly into our trend of thought and 
speech. 

Secundus 
We were speaking of those who ran and failed ; 
So uncertain are life's victories ! 

Paul 
Sir, they are uncertain, or most certain ; 
It all depends on man's condition. 
Where dwell faith and love and heaven's law, 
There surety dwells ; neither strength nor weak- 
ness 
Shall win upon this hard fought battlefield. 
But good courage, hope and perseverance. 
'Tis not what I have done or yet may do. 
But whither my heart's love doth gently lead; 
Salvation rests not within the flesh. 
But in sweet hope and that on which it feeds. 
Christ hath made atonement for our sins, 
And faith alone in Him shall know salvation. 

Secundus 
But Christians fail. 

Paul 
They only seem to fail. 
But what seems failure is more success. 
To strip and scourge and crucify the flesh. 
Is to reduce it to dust and ashes ; 
And from these elements there shall arise 



160 §)aul of Car$u0 

A fairer man, whose glory fadeth not. 
Let heaven strip him of dread time and space 
And all this world can give; then what's he 

worth ? 
Weigh him in the balance of fair justice ; 
Then compute! What's his gain? Do answer 

that! 
Only what hath profited his soul — 
The rest, when he stands before the portal 
Men call death, are worn out garments, to be 

cast aside. 

[Exeunti 



SCENE III 

Place: House of Demetrius. 
Present: Demetrius and Leodice. 

Demetrius 
Dear Wife, thou lookest weary ; go to bed ! 
And thus leave me to entertain these friends. 

Leodice 
I am not weary. Whom dost thou expect? 
I shall not burden thee with such a task ; 
Go thyself! I shall keep company. 

Demetrius 
How you women do work by contraries ; 
Let man but hint a dim suggestion, 
And you grow as curious as a cat ; 
You'll not nap a wink till you find the rat. 

Leodice 
Then drop the rat and I shall wink a nap. 

Demetrius 
Five years ago in dear Antioch 
I predicted Paul would bring us trouble; 
Time, indeed, hath fulfilled this prophecy; 

Already he's turned the head of Ephesus ; 
161 



162 §)aul of Cat0U0 

All Asia seems to feel his power; 
Diana is more and more despised ; 
And my precious craft is being ruined. 
We must devise some means to stop this bab- 
bler ; — 
Soon mj fellow craftsmen here assemble, 
And then we must hatch a scheme to worst him. 
The gods be propitious. 

Leodice 
I do tremble for this undertaking. 
On what foundation canst thou hope to build? 
Shall my dear husband not be moderate? 
Remember Pilate, and his beseeching wife, 
And embosom not a poisoned dagger 
That in the end shall only wound thyself. 

Demetrius 
Thou canst not live without my goodly craft; 
Hence I must protect it, and provide for thee. 
\_Knocks; enter Alexander, craftsmen, 
ScEVA and sons'] 

Demetrius 
Come! Let's to work. 
That we may fall on more prosperous times. 

Alexander 
Dread depression long since has found his way 
Into the generous bosom of good fortune; 
We must coax our wills unto resistance, 



©aul of Cat0U0 i63 

And o'erride this pestilential fellow. 

First Craftsman 
Sir, the temple of our great Diana 
Is far less frequented than heretofore; 
And our goddess seems to grow more pale 
Since Paul came to Ephesus. 

Second Craftsman 
My shop joins hard to the Gymnasium; 
Strangers no longer buy our goddesses ; 
The haughty way in which they pass us by 
Makes me angry and suspicious. 
If we do not laud Diana to the sky 
Till the very heaven fairly shake, 
And so by such a consort take the town. 
Our business shall soon be doomed. 

Third Craftsman 
Yesterday, when standing in the temple, 
I saw a hateful imp come lounging by ; 
And beholding fair Diana, turned up 
His freckled nose and laughed aloud. 

Demetrius 

He should be hanged, — a base ingratiate ; 
Thou shouldst indeed have stabbed him to the 

core. 
Irreverence is too common when religion is so 

cheap. 



164 §)aul of Cat0U0 

Alexander 
We give ourselves too much to gain ; 
We must make a show of greater zeal. 
Fall into a cold and heartless worship, 
And people soon neglect their holy gods ; 
But grow warm and ardent in devotion, 
Rejoice and proclaim our deep convictions, 
And we shall make new converts to our faith. 
Then, indeed, our coffers shall be filled. 

SCEVA 

The synagogue is quite depleted 

Since this vile sect came down to Ephesus ; 

Astrology is much in disrepute; 

Our great magicians put to open shame ; 

And now, you say, Diana is growing pale. 

We must unite to meet a common foe. 

Al/EXANDER 

They tell me. Sir, thy sons have been worsted 
By this miracle-man. Can it be so? 

ScEVA 

They are here to testify. 

A1.EXANDER 
We shall hear them. 

First Son 
I do fear for Ephesus. 
The converts of Apollos are rebaptized. 



©aul ot Car0U0 i65 

This time with fire ; Paul's the medium. 
Sir, virtue doth lie in his ample touch; 
The very kerchief that he wears will heal 
The one who touches it. 

Second Son 
When we did try this art, no power came, 
Although we used the name of that dear Chres- 
tus. 

Third Son 
We were repulsed. 

Fourth Son 
Cast down! 

Fifth Son 
O'erpowered by an evil spirit. 

Sixth Son 
Left naked, wounded. 

Seventh Son 
Magicians heard and burnt their books. 
But his followers did multiply. 

Alexander 
Scourge on this city, and ruined our estates. 
If with our wealth and civic power 
We cannot stem the tide of one man's might. 
Howbeit, I have a new hatched scheme. 
And believe 'twill carry. 



166 Saul of Car0U0 

Demetrius 
Let us hear it. 

Alexander 

It must be well planned, well executed; 
So on the very next assembly day, 
When the theater is crowded, arrange 
To entice them hither ; convene a mob ; 
Capture a man ; rush into the arena ; 
Cry " Murder ; they murder the Christians." 
Then when Paul doth come to their defense. 
Infuriate his bitter enemies, 
And let them do the work. 

Demetrius 
Splendid scheme ! Dear Coppersmith ! 
And since thou hast the brass to do it, 
We leave the plan and execution 
To thy most skillful hands. Set the day! 

Alexander 
Next Friday ! 

'Tis a day that suits my superstitions ; 
I swear 'tis the best of all for such a deed. 
Then fair Ephesus shall be delivered. 

SCEVA 

We do agree to this decree. 
What's the hour? 

Alexander 
The ninth ! And so, farewell ! 
lExeunfl 



SCENE IV 

Place: Portico. House of Trophimus. 
Present: Secundus, Trophimus and Glady- 

SEA. 

Gladysea 
What meanest this uproar ? It seems as though 
Ephesus cannot contain fair Ephesus. 

Trophimus 
A motley crowd moves toward the theater ; 
It comes from the slopes of Caressus. 
I fear it portendeth good or evil. 

Gladysea 
I do fear that evil is f orboding ; 
The face of this vast multitude 
Weareth not a pleasing countenance. 

Trophimus 
They seem deeply burthened with a guilt. 
Hearest thou ? They cry unto their goddess ; 
" Great is Diana of the Ephesians." 
'Tis a religious meeting. 

Secundus 
Look! Disorder! A mob! Prisoners! 
They move this way. Who leads.? 
16T 



168 @aul of Cat0U0 

Trophimfs 
'Tis Demetrius and Alexander ! 
Need we fear our enemies? 

Gladysea 
They haste as though they wear a bad intent ; 
And yet thou sayst this noise betokens 
A religious meeting. 

Secundus 
Who are the prisoners ? Canst thou discern ? 
In the name of heaven, let them murder not. 

Trophimus 

Mercy! They are our friends, our own dear 

friends, 
Gaius and Aristarchus ; canst thou see ? 
They buffet them; they pound them with their 

fists; 
Into the theater they go. 

Gladysea 

Angry mob ! Tumultuous assembly ! > 
Their teeth are set on edge ! Were I a man, 
I would follow and defend them. 

Secundus 

Pardon ! And I shall see what comes of this. 
Tarry till I come ! 

[Exit Secundus] 



@)aul of Cat0u0 i69 

Trophimus 
They do cry unto their gods. 

Gladysea 
Their tones bespeak a subtle rage 
Which if loosed shall work undreamt of mischief. 
I like not their accents. 

[Enter Aquila and Priscilla] 

Trophimus 

Knowest thou Gains and Aristarchus 

Are apprehended, — in the hands of a mob, 

Or perhaps in the clutches of wild beasts ? 

Aquila 

Speak not to our terror ; yet I do know 
They seek the life of some Christian. 

Priscili^ 
Thou dost frighten us. Is Paul among them.? 

Trophimus 
We saw him not since yesterday. 

Gladysea 
Nor from him heard one word. 

Priscilla 

Who Cometh here ? 'Tis he. 'Tis Paul ! 
[Enter Paul and Timothy] 



170 %ml of Car0U0 

Timothy 
Where's Secundus? 

What means this company so sober counte- 
nanced ? 

Trophimus 
Gains and Aristarchus are taken ; 
Are being scourged and imprisoned. 

Paul 
And we stand idly by? To their rescue! 
Implead their cause ! If we suffer with them 
We shall be glorified together. 

Aquila 
We beseech thee, trust not thyself to them. 

PillSCILLA 

Remember thy escape at Corinth. 
Timothy 

And thy stoning at Lystra. 
Oh, take no step without considering 
What might be ; who rushes into danger 
Forewarned, assumes a risk that may cost 
As dearly as his life. 
\_Enter Secundus] 

Paul 

From the theater.? Speak! 



Saul of Car0U0 171 

Secundus 
Confusion reigns ! Still they are alive ! 
No man can speak for the tumult ; they cry, 
" Great is Diana of the Ephesians." 

Paul 
I shall go. 

Secundus 
Tarry, I pray. 

Some vagabond did cry, " Paul will not come," 
Another, " He will not nibble at our bait " ; 
'Tis a death trap set for thee. 

[Enter Tyrannus and Erastus] 

Secundus 
Speak, Tyrannus! The latest! 

Tyeannus 

Sir, the town clerk did at last get their ear. 
And so he frightened them to silence; 
'Twas an unlawful assembly. 

Erastus 
And he released the prisoners. 

Priscilla 
Worthy chancellor! 
I do esteem him a most noble knight. 

Trophimus 
What said he? 



172 %ml of Car0U0 

Tyrannus 

He praised the greatness of Diana; 

Then, waving his hand, most solemnly said: 

" Ye men of Ephesus, give me jour ears, 

And be patient for a little while. 

Ye have power to make the civil law. 

And a will to keep the laws ye have made; 

Hence if ye should violate a single code. 

Ye have already fixed the penalty ; 

And 'tis mine to see that it's measured out. 

Beware, lest ye do yourselves an injury; 

Then 'tis your law that shall be your judge, 

And by receiving this exalted trust, 

Ye do compel me to enforcement ; 

So you make the laws for your punishment. 

And make me see you punished by them. 

Hence I am bound by law, so I can't forgive 
you 

If I would. 

O most gracious Ephesians ! 

Wrong not yourselves. And what good rea- 
son, pray. 

Can there be found for fear or jealousy.? 

Did not Alexander conquer a world 

And make a willing offering of the same 

To have his immortal name but carved 

On one column of this holy temple? 

When great men honor thus your noble goddess, 

What have ye to fear.? 



^ml of Car0U0 173 

Paul 
This speech ill becomes a trusty ruler ; 
In its very utterance it gives birth 
To cunning, flattery and deception; 
Beneath its ample flow of silvered speech 
There lurks the hidden tares of pride and hate, 
The worldly love of empty show and fame, 
A false conception of sweet charity. 
He who would oppress the poor and weak, 
Or grind beneath the chariot wheels of war, 
Or cruelly shed the blood of innocents. 
To dispense wealth with a lavish hand. 
Or build himself a golden hall of fame. 
Or live in slothful ease and luxury. 
Deserves the strongest censure of good men. 
Let him not be trusted ! Beware ! Nor yet 
Make charity a cloak for filthy lucre 
As though you seek the patronage of saints, 
Or high heaven could be bargained with. 
Pat not the world on the back with a free 
And generous hand when thou dost mean to 

fleece it; 
Nor let thy giving be the bitter fruits 
Of lying, thieving, and extortion. 
As though earthly treasures were abiding 
And heaven has no day of recompense. 
Sir, where is man's conscience.'' Fears he not 

hell.? 

[Enter Gaius and Aristarchus] 



174 @)aul of Car0U0 

Gaius 
God be praised! 

Timothy 
Thank heaven! 

AmSTARCHUS 

'Twas a vile pretense ; they seek the life of Paul. 

Paul 
Farewell! My friends, farewell! 
What I shall suffer none can tell. 
[Exeunti 



ACT VII 
PAUL IN ROME 



DRAMATIS PERSONtE 

Nero, emperor 

Agrippina, mother to Nero 

Seneca, tutor to Nero 

Paulina, wife to Seneca 

Marcus, son to Seneca 

Gallic, brother to Seneca, governor of Corinth 

Prudentia, wife to Gallio 

Brittanicus, son of Claudius 

OcTA VIA, daughter to Claudius, first wife to Nero 

AcTE, maid to Octavia 

BuRRUs, a prefect 

Julius, a soldier 

CoRNUTus, a philosopher 

PoMPONiA, wife to Aulus Plautius 

Mercia, maid to Pomponia 

PoppEvE, second wife to Nero 

Tegellinus, a prefect 

ViTELLius, a senator 

Celcus, a soldier chained to Paul 

Hermas and Pudens, servants to Nero 

Paul 

Luke, Timothy, Aquila, Priscilla, Mark, 

Epaphroditus, Aristarchus and Demas, 

Christians 
Onesimus, a slave 
Marcella, wife of Flavins 
Alexander and Pallas, witnesses 
IsHMAEL Ben Phabi, priest 

Soldiers, citizens, servants, etc. 



SCENE I 

Place: House of Seneca. 

Present: Seneca, Paulina and Marcus. 

Seneca 
What use is philosophy in a world 
Of fools? They have no ear for wisdom. 
Nero grows not better for my pains ; 
Truth cannot flower in his thorny heart. 
Great Rome's going to the very devil 
Unless a greater comes to Rome. 

PAUUNA 

What aileth my beloved Seneca? 
Bad dreams o'night? Did his dinner disagree? 
He is so unlike his own dear self; 
Yet how much, indeed, to encourage him. 
Behold thy wife ! And this thy noble son ! 
And know that virtue lives, and truth shall ne'er 
die. 

Seneca 
O Wife ! What solace in thy ruby lips ! 
Sweet and matchless counsellors of mine ! 
With thee, so tenderly am I convinced; 
'Tis true, philosophers are sometimes fools ; 
To worry is illogical. 

177 



178 %aul of Cat0U0 

Paulina 
Remember, Gallic doth come to-day 
And with him our dear jolly sister; 
Then we shall be amply entertained. 
These tales of Corinth take one by the ear. 

Seneca 
Then by my ear there shall hang a tail. 
'Twould ill become a philosopher; 
I pray Gallio bring rich pearls instead. 

Marcus 
O Father, hearest thou of these Christians ! 
They profess and teach most wondrous things ; 
Marvelous is the power of this Chrestus. 
Last night I met a girl who'd learned to love 

Him, 
And a thousand times more beautiful had 

grown ; 
She filled me with a holy passion ; 
Nero would be safe in following her. 

Seneca 
What's her philosophy.? 

Marcus 
To love and obey. 

Seneca 
Doth not Caesar love his people.'* 
His beautiful Octavia.^* 



%ml of Cat0U0 179 

Marcus 
Oh, that in a heart so young 
Such hatred could so soon find lodgment ; 
Already Octavia is neglected, 
Despised! And his love, so abased, 
Is bending now in quest of Acte. Shame! 
As Caesar's friend, I speak what I do know. 

Seneca 

My Son, thou speakest well the very truth ! 
Ah, what crimes are done in heaven's name. 
And still no voice is here uplifted. 

[Knocks; enter Nero and Agrippina] 

Seneca 
My beloved Caesar ! And welcome Agrippina ! 

Marcus 
My dear Nero! 
What happy thoughts hast thou interrupted ! 

Agrippina 

Speak them; allay suspicion. Our stay is 
brief. 

Marcus 

Long live the King, and glorious be his reign! 

And every man in his vast dominion. 

If not by hand, with a loving heart. 

Place a golden crown on his gracious head. 



180 @aul of Car0U0 

Neeo 
Marcus, my friend and schoolmate! My de- 
fense 
And counsellor! I'll choose thee to it. 

Agrippina 
We would speak with good Seneca alone, 
On matters of moment, of great moment. 
Do pardon us a private interview. 
\_Ea:eunt Paulina and Marcus] 

Agrippina 
Why's Seneca so little seen of late? 
Has he been ill? Or did the sudden death 
Of Claudius grieve him to a sickness? 
Have midnight ghosts been breathing tales 
Of horrid murder in his sober ear 
That he should seek seclusion? Is he not 
Caesar's friend, and by Caesar oft befriended? 

Seneca 
Caesar's friend! Let Caesar but speak his will, 
That true friendship may have a chance for 
proof. 

Agrippina 
Hear, my Son, hear! And speak thy willing 
wish! 

Nero 
To-morrow stand I before the Senate; 



§)aul of Cat0U0 isi 

Would have dear Seneca so frame my speech; 
Make it short, smooth, full of sweet promises, 
And with all to sound like Nero's. 

Agrippina 
Now, t'other wish. 

Nero 
I would away with sweet Octavia 
And marry Acte. Would good Seneca 
Say me nay? His silence is consent. 
So let the people know 'tis thine approval. 

Seneca 
Caesar's will shall be done. 

Agrippina 
And should dark rumors perch thy way 
As to a man who sits in high esteem. 
Then promise thou'lt dispatch without delay. 
Know Brittanicus and Octavia 
Must be held in close and strict surveyance 
Till they themselves no longer can survey. 
Remember these things are gently whispered 
In the secret chambers of our souls ! 
Beware! Shouldst thou e'er disclose them! 

Seneca 
When could Seneca not be trusted .f* 

Nero 
Trusted! Always, beloved Teacher. 



182 @)aul of Car0U0 

Agrippina 
We must away ! 

Nero 
Good day ! 

Agrippina 
Good day! 

[Exeunt Agrippina and Nero] 

Seneca 

[Soliloquy~\ 
The gods do trouble me, or 'tis my conscience, — 
Something within my breast that gives me 

pause ; 
Something, indeed, that makes me feel so bad, 
I'll call a physician; perhaps 'twill help. 

[Enter Cornutus and Burrus] 

Seneca 
My trusted friends, a thousand welcomes ! 

Cornutus 
Then let this be a most gracious meeting. 
Where we can speak what all the world doth 

know, 
Yet what the world must never wholly know. 
Ah, these monstrous crimes! Still justice 
sleeps ! 

Burrus 
My heart is sick of this vile treachery. 



S)aul of Car0U0 183 

These hellish deeds ! Too soon I placed a 

crown 
Upon his youthful brow ! 'Twas Brittanicus ! 
Nero is a tyrant ! Yet who dares 
To speak the truth! 

Seneca 
A philosopher's holy counsels 
Come to naught beside maternal intrigues. 
Let who will, preach ; the greater danger lies 
With those who make pretense to practice. 
Bad example is stronger than fair words ; 
Then let holiness be stamped on the life. 
Nero was nobly born — how nurtured.? 
Agrippina is a foxy devil; 

Who wonders that her son should take to blood 
As a spring lamb to his milk. 

CORNUTUS 

What's up now.f' 

Seneca 
Murder sits within the counsels of kings. 
I fear for Brittanicus — for Octavia ; 
Nero is now the bloodhound on their track ; 
Burrus, thou knowest it. 

CORNUTUS 

Burrus ! 

Burrus 
If Agrippina live, they shall surely die ; 



184 %ml of Cat0U0 

If Agrippina die, and Nero lives, 

They perish ! Only murder will shift hands. 

So long as Locusta or dread Pallas 

Lives in Caesar's palace and can be bribed 

To foul deeds, no royal blood is safe. 

CORNUTUS 

Is there suspicion of Claudius' death? 

BURRUS 

'Twas a foul exit. His own dear wife 
Sprinkled the poison on his boleti; 
And then with sorry tearful eyes did mourn 
To give him such a decent burial, 
That her own dear son might wear the purple. 
Therefore Nero wears the crown of a murdered 
king. 

Seneca 
Who shall stay this tide of evil.? 

CoRNUTUS 

Here is Burrus! Captain of the noble guard, 
A man of virtue and of high estate. 
And thou, beloved Seneca ! so long 
The teacher of our strong immortal youth ; 
If such as ye within your souls do lack 
The true and manly courage of conviction, 
Who may dare to speak or hope to be heard ? 
When the great and good do sit in silence 
And see known wrong meanly perpetrated 



§)aul of Cat0U0 i85 

And are not moved to solemn protest, 

Or stirred to swift and holy action, 

What wonder if some day they are swept down 

By the very tide they would not check. 

Speak no word of warning to the erring. 

Lay no hand of justice on the throat of crime, 

And murder soon begins her midnight feast. 

And brutal power is crowned king. 

BURRUS 

How nobly dost thou speak the truth; 
Take my sword and act, — 'tis easier to say 
What should be done than 'tis to do it. 

[Knocks; enter Bbittanicus and Octavia] 

OCTAVIA 

We are so frightened ; 

Dear Seneca ! Canst thou not help ? 

Burrus 
What frightens thee.? 

Octavia 
Murder. 

Brittanicus 
Sir, I, too, am lawful heir to the throne 
As this good company can testify ; 
So they fear my regal claims and would end 
them. 

Seneca 
If 'twere in my power, I would shield thee. 



186 ©aul of Car$u0 

Pity reaches to my inmost heart ; 
Beyond it I dare not go. 

BURRUS 

I'll go to the verge of dread mutiny ; 
There must I pause, for I am Csesar's servant. 
lEnter Marcus] 

Marcus 
My beloved Queen ! And here's Brittanicus ! 
What trouble? 

OCTAVIA 

Frightened! Watched! Pursued by murder- 
ers ! 

Marcus 
Accept me as thy bodyguard ; I am 
Caesar's friend, therefore friend to Caesar's wife. 

Oct A VIA 
Most noble and brave man, the gods protect 
Thee ! Farewell ! 

Brittanicus 
Farewell ! 

BuRRUS 

Fare-thee-well ! 

\_Eajeunt Brittanicus, Octavia and Mar- 
cus] 

cornutus 
Brittanicus is a noble fellow, 



@aul of Car0U0 i87 

But I do pity poor Octavia ; 
Her heavenly eyes are homes of sorrow. 
Oh, how can manhood look therein and die ; 
There's the mystery ! Nero must be a brute. 
Love alone is sadness ; love plus love is 
Gladness ; he loves her not. 

BURRUS 

My blood doth boil; my judgment keeps me 

calm. 
I seal my lips to save my neck ; Marcus 
Is more rash; his youth is yet unbridled; 
He courts his death. I love his courage. 

COENUTUS 

I'd rather die a courageous Marcus, 
With sweet mercy as a boon companion, 
Than live in pretense of great bravery 
Without a single valorous deed. 

\_Enter Paulina with Gallic and Pruden- 
tia] 

Seneca 
Dear Gallio ! Prudentia ! 

Gallic 
Dear Burrus ! Dear Comutus ! 
Friends, my wife! 

BUBRUS 

Most happy man ! 



188 S)aul of ^atm^ 

CORNUTUS 

Most happy woman ! 

Prudentia 

Then happiness doth wed ! 

Seneca 

Be seated! Tell us of Corinth? 

Gallio 
How's Rome? 

CoRNUTUS 

Rome's still Rome, minus a Claudius, 
Plus a Nero. 

Prudentia 
I would see Octavia ; how nobly 
She must grace her queenly state. 

BURRUS 

In that state she's in, thine eye, perchance. 
Shall witness. 

Seneca 
How prospers Corinth? 

Gallic 
In leaps and bounds. Into her generous lap 
Flows the commerce of the world, and with 
A lavish hand she dispenses it to all mankind. 

Seneca 
And thine administration peaceful? 



^ml of Car0U0 i89 

Gallic 

'Twas so, until a certain Paulus came, 
Who by strange doctrines stirred up the baser 
element. 

BURRUS 

How ended it? 

Gallic 
In a farce, 

The flogging of a certain Sosthenes ; 
They were no match for this little Jew. 

Seneca 
And he stood before thy judgment seat? 

Gallic 
Only till I could get him out of sight ; 
He made me feel adjudged. 

BURRUS 

This same Paul comes a prisoner to Rome. 
Be patient ; we shall see and hear him. 
[Enter Marcus] 

Marcus 
The infernal gods ! Murder ! Murder ! 

All 
Who? 

Marcus 
Brittanicus ! Sweet Brittanicus ! 



190 ®aul of Car0U0 

The flower of Rome ! Her noblest son ! 
Dead! Dead! Dead! 

Paulina 
O heavens ! 

Marcus 
Damn the auguries ! Let his murderers perish ! 
Poor Brittanicus poisoned to his grave ! 
Rome ! Avenge his death ! Avenge his death ! 
\_Silence~\ 
[Enters a Roman guard'\ 

Guard 
Pardon ! Burrus is wanted ! Hearest thou 
The noise of this procession? Paul, 
The prisoner, comes. 



SCENE II 

Place: Paul's hired house. 
Present: Burrus, Paul and Celcus. 

Paul 
I appealed to Csesar. Let Caesar hear; 
Let justice have its course. 

Burrus 

Where justice sleeps 'tis better 'twere not so, 

Then, till she wakes thou hast all clemency. 

Caesar hears no cases without witnesses, 

Though in the end Caesar pleases Caesar; 

Therefore, till witnesses arrive, forbear. 

Paul has the freedom of this ample house; 

His friends are welcome, always welcome; 

Only, thou must wear bracelets with dear Cel- 
cus. 
[Exit Burrus] 

Paul 
In life, dear Celcus, we stand united ; 
In death may we ne'er be divided. 

Celcus 

Thou speaketh as a follower of the Chrestus. 
191 



192 @aul of Car0U0 

Paul 

Gladly would I suffer loss for my king, 
And there is not a single thing exempt. 
Art thou so good a soldier? 

Celcus 

Seest thou the dints and scars this armor bears ? 
Many a foe I've vanquished with it. 

Paul 

And this thy poor reward, no future prospects? 
Be a soldier of the Chrestus, dear Celcus, 
And so fight thy way to glorious kingship. 
Take to thee the breastplate of righteousness. 
Be brave! And gird thy loins with the truth; 
Grasp with a steady hand the spirit's sword ; 
Wear upon thy head salvation's helmet; 
Bind to thy heart the gracious shield of faith ; 
And come with me to win a living crown. 

Celcus 

How can I? 

Paul 

Believe in the Chrestus. 
Believe and thou shalt be full panoplied; 
Obey and thou shalt see thy coronation day. 
[Knocks; enters Onesimus ; Celcus re- 



^aul of Cat0U0 193 

Paul 

Onesimus ! Onesimus ! When didst 
Thou leave Colossae? How is beloved Phile- 
mon? 

Onesimus 
And dost thou know me? 

Paul 

Know thee? I saw thee last at Ephesus, 
In the school of Tyrannus ; there thou didst 
Confess the Christ. Onesimus, is it 
Still well with thee? 

Onesimus 

Canst thou pity a vile wretch? Then pity me! 
All holy commandments have I broken ; 
Have stolen from my master, friends, and king ; 
In my heart have murdered fair Junia; 
With my hand slew three Samnites in arena ; 
No foul deed under heaven have escaped; 
In my conscience am already damned ; 
Remorse hath come to dwell with me; and in 
My soul 'tis whispering always " Heaven ! " 
"Hell!" 

Paul 

Canst thou still feel mercy in thy heart 
For such as thyself? 



194 %ml of Cat0U0 

Onesimtjs 
I do pity them, and in my pity 
Could offer me a willing sacrifice. 

Paul 
Then thinkest God less gracious than thyself? 
God could not be God without compassion, 
Nor yet Christ himself without sweet mercy; 
Then, as to me thou nobly hast confessed. 
Confess to Him, and find forgiveness ; 
Flee to Christ for pardon ! He calleth thee. 

Onesimus 
The past ! The past ! The past ! 
My soul! My soul! My soul! 

Paul. 
His blood doth cleanse thee from all sin. 
Believest thou? 

Onesimus 
Not — for me. 

Paul 
Whoso Cometh he will in nowise cast out. 

Onesimus 
But Philemon, my master, I have wronged ; 
I am a fugitive. 

Paul 
Return ! Confess ! And so be pardoned. 



^aul of Car0U0 195 

There is never limit to sweet mercy 

As long as man can mercy feel ! 'Tis like 

The boundless sea; the broad expanse of 

heaven ; 
The gentle dew; the generous rain; 
The daily sunshine falling on our heads ; 
'Tis a bountiful hand that dispenses 
To mankind ; and in that heart where penitence 
Finds a place, no sin can bar us from the 
Throne where love doth sit as king. 

Onesimus 
And so God is always merciful? 
I forsook Him ; He hath not forsaken me? 
I shall return. 

l^Eojit Onesimus] 

Paul 

[Soliloquz/'] 
Who can chain the power of this holy word, 
Or stem the tide of love from it flowing; 
It overleaps the bounds of circumstance, 
Of time and space, and what's dearer still to 

man — 
Old traditions and environments. 
And heredity far more deeply grained; 
In cave, cottage, or golden palaces. 
Or 'mid vice and gilded crimes, it lives 
As a white plumed bird, 'mid dust and ashes 
Still unsullied and untarnished. 



196 ©aul of Car0U0 

Mark the wonder of this world ! For 'tis known 
That holy saints in Cassar's household dwell. 
]^Knocks; enters Marcella] 

Marcella 
Sir, I am a stranger in great distress ; 
Have heard of the Chrestus. Canst thou help 
me? 

PAUIi 

Who art thou? 

Marcella 
'Tis Marcella ; I was born in Tarsus ; 
Knew Saul ; married Flavins ; came to Rome ; 
Suffered much, and am now a widow. 

Paul, 
How died thy husband? 

Marcella 
By the murderous hand of Caesar's slave ; 
But ere he was dispatched, poor fellow. 
He had deeply soiled the manly virtues 
That should adorn him in a better world. 
Oh, how I did love him ! 

Paul 
Wilt thou, O Woman, seek the loving Chrestus ? 
He alone can bear such grievous burdens 
And heal the heart's deep lacerations. 
Thou mayst seek a remedy for sorrow 



^aul of Car0U0 197 

In time and ever changing circumstance ; 
There is no balm this weary world can give 
But it shall leave a muchly tainted mark ; 
In His sufferings we find a recompense, 
And in His love a match for human grief. 

Marcella 
I would know and follow Him. 

Paul 
Believe ! Obey ! And thy peace and happiness 
Earth nor hell shall ever take away. 

\_Knocks; enter Pomponia and Mercia] 

MaRCELIvA 

I hope to hear thee soon again ! Farewell ! 
[Exit Marcella] 

Paul 
Who art thou? 

Pomponia 
I am Pomponia, Plautius' wife; 
And this is Mercia — a Christian, too. 
We have come to seek a word of counsel. 

Paul 
Concerning what? 

Pomponia 
Sir, Nero is bent on crime; has murdered 
Octavia; is jealous of Plautius; 



198 ©aul of ^atm^ 

Despises his wife; seeks the life of his son; 
And is in league with the vilest of Rome. 
If Nero lives, then Rome must perish; 
Were it not better that one brute should die 
Than that many noble Christians suifer? 
It seems a mercy that he be dispatched 
By the gracious hands of exalted worth, 
That all fair justice should be meted out 
And put an end to this outrageous slaughter. 

Paul 
Pomponia, a Christian? And Mercia? 
Then hear ye what the dear Chrestus says: 
" Love your enemies " ; and so I trust ye do. 
" Blessed are ye when persecuted 
For righteousness sake " ; suffer it to be so. 
" Think no evil " ; " Thou shalt not kill " ; 
" Vengeance is mine ; I will repay, saith the 

Lord." 
Take this parchment home and read it ; 
And when thou hast pondered well its contents, 
And sought in prayer the Master's will, then 

come 
And I shall hear thee further of this matter. 

\^Exeunt Pomponia and Mercia] 

Paul 
[SoliIoqui/'\ 
How oft this world doth wear a smooth confes- 
sion 



^aul of Cat0U0 199 

And make pretense to saintly piety, 
When at heart it is still as black as hell ; 
And keep company with white robed devils, 
As though they were sweet angels of the light. 
Oh, that man should be so self-deceived, 
And mock the very God who made him! 
'Twill not be long, till the judgment day. 
When each man's soul shall be unmasked; 
O God, be merciful! 
l^Enter Marcus] 

Marcus 
I'm Caesar's friend ; to Paul no enemy. 
Was Mercia here to-day? Sweet Mercia ! 
She believes in thy Chrestus. 

Paul 
Fair Mercia, whom Christ hath taught to love ; 
She w^as accompanied by Pomponia. 
She's just away; pray do her no harm. 

Marcus 
What! Seneca's son harm sweet Mercia? 
He would die for her a thousand times. 
Farewell! The gods prosper thee. 
[Exeunfl 



SCENE III 

Place: Imperial Palace, Paul's ^rst trial. 
Present: Nero, PopPiEA, Tegellinus, Vitel- 
liius, Seneca, Marcus, consuls, etc. 

Nero 
What's the time? 

VlTELLIUS 

'Tis high time. 

Nero 
Fetch the prisoner ! Call the witnesses ! 
Sir, waste no more time in tell-tale gossip ; 
Tegellinus and Seneca shall prosecute — 
Let's to business. 

[Enter Paul and Celcus] 

Nero 
Where's the prisoner? 

Celcus 
Here! 

Seneca 

He comes ! 

Nero 

The witnesses ! Summon the witnesses ! 
200 



%>ml of Car0u0 201 

Dost thou not hear when Caesar speaks? 

\_Enter Ishmael Ben Phabi, Julius, tmt- 
nesses~\ 

Nero 
Who comes there? 

PoPPiEA 

'Tis Ishmael Ben Phabi, our priest. 

Nero 
Who? 

POPP^A 

A priest. 

Tegellinus 
The prisoner and witnesses are here; 
At Caesar's sweet will we shall proceed. 

Nero 
Proceed ! 

Tegellinus 
Seneca will read the indictment. 

Seneca 
Whereas, a certain Paulus, called Apostle, 
The ringleader of the Christian sect, 
Is apprehended and imprisoned. 
And shall appear before great Caesar 
For most flagrant and specific crimes ; — 
And whereas he has so many times, 



202 %ml of Car0U0 

In many places, and in many ways, 
Broken laws, social, civic and divine, 
By maliciously disturbing worship. 
By desecrating the holy temple, 
By raising sedition among the people, — 
Resolved: That we do earnestly pray 
Our beloved Emperor to inflict 
On him the full penalty of the law. 

[Signed] Theophilus, High Priest, 
Eleazar, Sec. of Sanhedrim. 

Nero 
Treason ! 

Tegellinus 
We shall hear the witnesses. 
Will Rabbi Ben Phabi testify.? 

Rabbi Ben Phabi 
My beloved Emperor, senators, 
Romans, and fellow countrymen, 
Happy am I to stand here for the truth. 
How could I have come so great a distance. 
Or gathered witnesses from many lands. 
Were it not for great Caesar's safety. 
And sweet mercy's sake.? This man's known of 

old. 
I have watched his wretched turn-coat ways; 
A wild fanatic, a vile profaner; 
I do swear and by a thousand witnesses 
Can prove him guilty; that this indictment 



%ml of Cat0u0 203 

True to the last letter of last syllable ; 
With mine eyes have seen him pervert the truth, 
Disturb worship, and defile our temples ; 
And above all. Sir, I have seen him turn 
The hearts of the people against Csesar. 
Death is far too sweet for such a man. 
And hell holds not an ample recompense. 
Sir, if this vile doctrine is not stopped. 
How can Csesar hope to live and flourish? 
'Twill hatch more enemies in one brief year 
Than good citizens can be born in five. 

Tegellinus 
Can all his witnesses swear to this, — 
To every word and pause? If so, 
Lift up your hands, and cry : " Let great Cae- 
sar live ! " 

VlTELLIUS 

There's Julius, a Jew, and Roman citizen; 
He did have the prisoner long in charge. 
Let us hear from him. 

Tegellinus 
What testimony, then, hath Julius? 
Step forth and speak ! 

Julius 
Sir, in Caesarea was he given 
Into my custody ; for nine long months 
Was under my most strict surveyance; 



204 ^ml of Car0U0 

I watched him as a hungry hawk, 
Lest mutiny should be stirred among 
The members of my crew. Day and night, 
On land and sea, in calm and storm, I swear 
I heard not from his lips a cruel word. 
Nor yet saw his hands do an unkind deed. 

Seneca 
Did he speak against the Jews.^^ 

Julius 
Once I heard him say his heart's desire 
Was that Israel might be saved; and then 
He was speaking to a Jew. 

Seneca 
Did he not say aught against great Caesar .^^ 

Julius 
To my knowledge, not a single word ; 
And never did he kick against the law. 
He was, forsooth, a model prisoner. 
And did so venerate jurisprudence 
As to make you feel he's patriotic born. 

Nero 
Somebody lies. 

Tegellinus 
Will Julius step aside .^^ 
Doth the prisoner wish to make defence? 
No witnesses are here discountenanced ; 



Saul of Cat0U0 205 

Caesar gives every man a chance to speak. 
Paul 

Most noble Caesar! Honorable judges! 

Friends, Romans and fellow countrymen ! 

I am happy to answer for myself, 

Touching the crimes whereof I am accused. 

If found guilty, I ask no clemency; 

If innocent, I need not plead for mercy. 

Since honest men have respect to law, 

And justice is the honored creed of courts. 

Truth and falsehood must first be sifted out ; 

When they are known, the law doth fix the rest. 

Guilt is hidden within the heart of man ; 

Punishment rests with the powers that be ; 

And to fit the penalty to the crime 

Is the express business of the courts. 

To help them ascertain what the truth is. 

Is the bounden duty of all good men. 

Now, Sir, look at these my accusations. 

Which are ascribed to malice and aforethought ; 

First, of disturbing public worship 

And desecrating holy temples ; — 

How could I be guilty of such sacrilege 

When I myself, as you know, am a Jew ; 

A Pharisee of the Pharisees? 

When I myself do worship the same God, 

Do reverence our father Abraham, 

And believe in the same resurrection? 



206 giaul of Car0U0 

Then if I'm guilty, they, too, stand condemned. 
And for each and all there's one punishment. 
And they declare me Caesar's enemy ; 
Let Caesar himself be my honest judge. 
How can I be guilty of such treason 
When to Csesar I appeal for justice? 
Is such a course the promptings of guilt? 
When in the history of this world 
Did lawlessness plead for righteous judges, 
Or the seditions go in quest of kings? 
Wrongdoers are wont to be dragged before 
Tribunals, where they do pray for mercy ; 
The righteous seek the audience of kings, 
Where they shall find sweet justice; and so 
I have appealed to Caesar. Will Caesar 
Be my judge? 

Nero 
And he pleads not guilty. 'Tis enough! 
Prepare your ballots ! Write your decision ! 

Marcus 
Beloved Csesar, by thy generous leave 
I would speak a word ere this vote is taken ; 
I am deeply moved by this testimony; 
When fair truth is put to trial, justice 
Dare not sleep, nor strong conviction slumber. 
Men, arise! Search thy bosom for thy con- 
science ! 
The spirits of the dead are here to-day ; 



§)aul of Car0U0 207 

The unseen world is sadly looking on, 

Pleading for justice. Let it not plead in vain; 

An unerring hand points to the guilty; 

'Tis not invisible ! Look on these faces ! 

And mark you well the tell-tale countenance ! 

The motives that prompted this perjury 

Have forsaken them, and they stand shame- 
faced. 

Pronouncing just sentence on themselves. 

Look, my friends, and see where the crime doth 
sit; 

Innocency wears its own sweet and calm aspect ; 

Guilt can find no screen to hide its monstrous 
deeds. 

Hear me! This prisoner is innocent; 

And Cassar, for great Caesar's sake, dare not 
pronounce him guilty. 

Nero 

Hem ! Papers ! Let him go. Fetch my fid- 
dle! 

Tegelunus 
I pronounce the prisoner innocent. 

Marcus 
And the honor of Rome is safe ! 
^Exeunt^ 



SCENE IV 

Place: House of Pomponia. 
Present: Pomponia and Mercia. 

Pomponia 

'Twere time they had arrived, dear Mercia ! 

I'm going back to the Triclinium ; 

Soon I shall return. Receive, till I come. 

Mercia 

I pray thee tarry not. 
[Exit Pomponia] 

Mercia 

[Soliloquy~\ 
How strange a world is this in which we live ; 
Awhile we breathe and love and fear; then die. 
When life is incomplete we fold our tents 
And leave the things we long had learned to 

love ; 

And yet we shall not cease to live and love; 

Beyond the gateway of the e'er hastening now, 

Our hearts have glimpsed a happy world. 

'Twill come! 'Twill come! 

[Enochs; enter Marcus] 
208 



^aul of Cat0U0 209 

Marcus 
Sweet Mercia, thou dost look distressed. 
Art thou alone? Fear thou not, my angel! 
Marcus is thy shield, and Marcus loves thee. 
Who, forsooth, could penetrate this armor .f* 
My heart is thine ; promise to be my wife ; 
Then I'll follow thee to heaven or h — 

Mercia 
O Marcus, thou dost take my breath. 

Marcus 
Give me thy sweet hand, that I may touch it 
With my lips ere we die ; and tell me how 
That if we live, I may hope. 

Mercia 
Hope! 

\_Enter Pomponia] 

POMPONIA 

'Tis Marcus. What news hast thou from Cae- 
sar? 

Marcus 

At present Cassar is at Antium ; 

What crime comes next 'tis hard for man to 
guess. 
[Enter Pudens, Prudentia and Hermas] 

PUDENS 

Pardon! We've a message for our noble lady. 



210 @aul ot Cat0U0 

Prudentia 
And we wish her peace and safety. 

POMPONIA 

I trust thou dost not evil tidings bring. 

[Enter Luke, Mark, Aquila and Pris- 
cilla] 

PoMPONIA 

Welcome ! I trust you bear good tidings. 
Be seated. 

[Enter Celcus and Demas] 

PoMPONIA 

Still they come, and welcome. 
Now we shall hear Pudens. 

PUDENS 

There was a most frightful tale whispered 

In Caesar's golden palace t'other day ; 

They were discoursing on strange diversions, — 

Some new thing to tickle Caesar's fancy. 

Then Tegellinus hoarsely whispered 

They would devise a conflagration, — 

Make a bonfire of Rome to amuse Caesar. 

Luke 
What said Caesar.^ 

Pudens 
Caesar laughed, and seemed much pleased; 



^aul of Car0U0 211 

Then said he'll go to Antium for a change, 
Hermas and Prudentia can verify. 

Hermas 
I was deputed for this awful crime 
This very night ; so thou dost find me here. 
I shall suffer when I'm apprehended. 

POMPONIA 

I fear he who could freely sacrifice 
Four hundred noble slaves on mere suspicion 
To avenge the death of old Secundus, 
Would have no mercy on thy skin. 

Prudentia 

And Poppaea whispered to a maid, 

Rome would be well lighted while they were 

away. 
Somehow she's learned to hate these Christians ; 
It has come to pass since Paul's acquittal. 
Now she's turning Caesar's heart against them; 
They seek a cause for incrimination. 

Celcus 

There is some fearful doom impending; 
What, I know not. Patience shall install it ; 
Cruelty shall see it well carried out. 

Luke 
Be ever steadfast, my Christian friends; 



212 §)aul of Car0U0 

Beyond these darkened clouds there shineth 

glory. 
Who would not sorrow, to behold its gleaming? 
Paul hath endured and in bonds still endureth. 
He's now imprisoned at Necapolis. 
Ah, how he glories in his sufferings ; 
It must be so, the Christ is nearer them. 

Aquila 
Deny him not, whate'er befalleth thee; 
'Tis far better to die for the Chrestus 
Than to live without him for a single day. 
In such a death there's lasting gain. 

PmsciLLA 
When Paul comes, we shall be nobly counseled. 

Mark 
He shall surely come again ! Mark my words ! 

Mercia 
I fear we are being watched this night. 
Who knoweth what shall be to-morrow.? 

Demas 
Hush! Hearest thou this tumultuous noise? 
Bells ! Yells ! The tramp of feet ! 'Tis bed- 
lam! 
They rush as though some tempest doth pursue. 

Hermas 
They are after us ; the time is at hand. 



^ml of Cat0U0 213 

Whither shall we flee? 

Luke 
Fear not ! 

POMPONIA 

Will Marcus ascertain the cause ? Make haste ! 

Dear Plautius is at Pretonius. 

I fear he is endangered. See if we 

Dare venture out? 

Marcus 
A moment ! Let no man's heart fail him now. 
\_Ea:it Marcus] 

Mercia 
I hope he'll not tarry. 

AauiLA 
Bravado ! 

[Enter Marcus] 

Marcus 
Hell's broke loose ! All Rome's afire ! 
The forum, temples and palaces ! 
Caesar and Tegellinus, incendiaries ! 
Bravo ! There's work to be done ! Follow me ! 
[Exeunt^ 



SCENE V 

Place: Catacombs. 

Present: Luke, Aquila, Priscili^a, Marcus, 

Mercia, Pomponia, Pudens, Celcus and 

other Christians. 

Luke 
Be strong! God sits enthroned above the 

world. 
And rules it by His sovereign will. 
What He's ordained shall come to pass, 
Nor aught is done without permission. 
What, then, if pain or sorrow come, 
Or, peradventure, persecution ; 
If sent of heaven, 'twere a blessed thing, — 
Beneath its rough and thorny outwardness. 
It wears a rich and jeweled happiness; 
If the doings of malicious men, 
Still indulge a sweet and gentle patience ; 
It could only be by His appointment. 
And hence o'erruled for thy lasting good. 
Trust in God, and so in some far off event 
Thou shalt find peace, and know thy heart's 

content. 

PuDENS 

'Tis noised abroad at Caesar's palace 
214 



^aul of Car0U0 215 

That when Csesar felt himself suspected 
Of this incendiary act, and that 
'Twas done to gratify a selfish whim, 
His conscience did so trouble him, he sent 
For Tegellinus, and to clear his skirts 
They two did fix the blame to the Christians. 

Marcus 
And so they have formulated charges. 
Dear Csesar has become so mean of late, 
All consuls and senators stand for naught; 
To him all honest men are nuisances. 
Now Csesar is great Caesar's only law; 
And with a coterie of perjured baseness 
He works his sovereign will. 

Celcus 
Orders have been given that all Christians 
Must be put to death. 'Tis Caesar's mandate, 
And to Rome Caesar's nod is law divine. 
Poppsea, too, most ardently urges it ; 
Tegellinus is to see it carried out. 
Who's to be the first. Heaven only knows. 

Mercia 
Who is this Tegellinus that Caesar 
Counts so great .f' 

Marcus 
Tegellinus ! Oh, this man to wonder at. 
Where all the vices shine incarnate. 



216 §)aul of Car0U0 

This bloated idol of a motley crowd, 
Can eat more beef than any man in Rome ; 
Can drink more wine and keep an even pace ; 
Can be most clever with a smooty tongue. 
He stands five feet ten in his sockless feet; 
Measures sixty inches round the waist ; 
And feels it every inch, so great is he. 
Who has not seen his like with grave disgust, — 
A fatted hog that glories in his flesh. 

POMPONIA 

I would that Caesar knew what mercy meant. 
Perchance some day he shall badly need it. 

Marcus 
There is no rhyme nor reason in the acts 
Of tyrants. They walk in velvet slippers 
Through the stillness of the night, or they 

tramp 
With heavy iron shoes in the light of day. 
Just as fear or cruelty masters them. 

Celcus 
Cassar has fed so long on human flesh. 
His thirst for blood is now insatiable. 

Mercia 
Then Marcus must die? And Mercia die.? 

Luke 
Let no one suffer till the time comes ; 



%ml of Car0U0 217 

And when it comes, let no man flinch. 

Priscilla 
Death is but the gateway into life, 
And God holds the key. 

Mercia 
And life is but the gateway unto death ; 
Without a key, I do pity Caesar. 

Luke 
Whate'er be thy circumstance, remember, 
God rules the world, all else is dependent. 
Forget not, then, the logic of this truth. 
And as thou lookest on the changing shadows 
That flit across thy sky, be thou steadfast. 
The sun is changing not, nor yet thy Lord: 
What God commands is good, is very good ; 
What he permits cannot be wholly bad. 
There must be fire to consume the dross 
That pure gold may be the brighter for it. 

Celcus 
There is a crown more precious than Caesar's. 
Who knows but to-morrow ye shall wear it. 

Marcus 
I would die for such a crown. 

Mercia 
I would live for such a crown. 



218 @)aul of Car0U0 

Luke 
Go forth, my child, into this weary world ; 
Speak some word of kindness to the passer by ; 
Seek out the sick and solitary soul 
In garret, dungeon or 'mid the seething mass, 
Where face to face thou mayst speak the truth 
And suit each word unto the shining mark. 
This wide world is not saved by multitudes, 
As some great orator with silvered tongue 
Swa3^s a vast assembly; 'tis better done 
By following the example of thy King; 
Suit thyself to each time and circumstance; 
Speak perchance to many, more oft to one, 
As opportunity doth forestall thee. 
And thou shalt wear at last a golden crown. 

POMPONIA 

Let us praise Him. 

[They sing the Twenty-third Psalni\ 

PUDENS 

Hush ! They come ! Perchance they heard us 
singing. 

Celcus 
Then we are our own betrayers. 

PUDENS 

They come ! Soldiers with torches ! They do 
run! 



%ml of Carpus; 219 

Mabcus 
Disperse ! Out with your lights ! Flee for 
your life! 
\^Exeunt~\ 



SCENE VI 

Place: Basilica; last trial. 

Present: Tegellinus, Vitellius, Alexander, 

Paul, Pallas, soldiers^ citizens, witnesses, 

etc. 

Tegellinus 
Come. Sweet Csesar is in Antium, 
So I am deputed for this trial. 
'Tis the province of the jury to hear; 
It belongs to me to pronounce sentence ; 
Let us not try this assembly's patience. 
But bring this matter to a speedy end. 
Make an example of this pesty fellow 
For those who shortly follow after. 

VlTELLIUS 

The witnesses are now in readiness. 
When will our noble prefect hear them? 

Tegellinus 
Now ! State the crimes ! Then let us have the 
proofs. 

VlTELLIUS 

Sirs, be it known this man is guilty 

First, of propagating a new doctrine 

In great Caesar's vast dominions. 
220 



©aul o( Car0U0 221 

He would stuff you with a strange religion 

When ye all do know there's no god but Caesar, 

And secondly, he is found more guilty 

By instigating his rash followers 

To disorder and incendiary acts. 

See ! One half of Rome is now in ashes ! 

Sir, would Caesar not whet his appetite 

To take sweet vengeance on such criminals? 

Can those who are committed with his trust 

Do less than carry out his holy will? 

Tegellinus 
However much passion may burn within. 
We must not overleap the bounds of justice 
To wreck our vengeance on one guilty soul. 
Lest we ourselves by more unlawful deeds 
Should prove at best but finer criminals. 
And by such a course we pave the way 
For other men to do us violence. 
Law is the mighty bulwark of our kings ; 
'Tis a strong defense for common people ; 
Let us respect it ! Let us uphold it ! 
This earth would be a hell without it. 
We shall need it some day for our safety ; 
Therefore, we take no steps without clear proof. 
Who, then, is here to humbly testify 
And swear his testimony wholly true? 

VlTELLIUS 

Here are Alexander and dear Pallas ; 



222 Siaul of Car0us! 

These two do meet all requisites of law ; 
In their mouths it shall be well established. 

Tegellinus 
We shall hear them ! Men, give audience ? 

Alexander 
Most noble prefect, I do swear by great 
Csesar, as one who oft has heard him speak, 
That he doth worship a strange God ; 
Doth turn the hearts of this people; 
He worships not the god of Rome; 
Pays no homage to dear Caesar. 
Away with him ! Away with him ! 
This vile and monstrous heretic ! 

Tegellinus 
That will do ! An enemy to Rome ; to Csesar 
An infidel; traitor and heretic. 
My countrymen, what a solemn charge ; 
See you now what Caesar fears? 

VlTELUUS 

Let us hear Pallas? 

Tegellinus 
Pallas ! 

Palias 
I do swear there's not a mandate 
With malicious intent uttered 
But his dear followers would do. 



Saul of Car0U0 223 

Or die outright in the attempt. 
With mine own eyes have I beheld 
These Christians with a timorous look 
From many burning households flee. 
What greater proof, Sir, could be had 
Of base incriminating guilt? 

Tegellinus 
'Tis true. There is no question as to guilt, 
And righteous law doth fix the penalty. 
Ah, that Csesar were here to pronounce it ; 
With such a relish can he smack it out ! 
Let the prisoner make his will with haste; 
Bequeath his heritage to great Csesar 
As a compensation for his wrongs. 
For so by right the holy Roman law 
Shall confiscate all criminal estates. 
But while he lives he still is given chance 
By his own generous will and consent 
To cast his treasures in the coffers of 
His king. What saith the prisoner.? 

Paul, 
I bequeath my fortune to my God and king. 
He alone can keep what I've committed, — 
My life, my love, my all. 

Tegeli^inus 
Art thou uisid? Art thou still beside thyself .^^ 
Sir, stand up and receive now thy sentence. 



224 S^aul of Car0U0 

Inasmuch as thou art proven guilty, 
This day thou shalt die without the gate. 

First Voice 
Defense ! The law doth grant it. 

Second Voice 
Justice ! The state demands it. 

Third Voice 
Defense! Justice! Let the prisoner speak! 

Tegellinus 
No time, my friends, for vociferations. 
Why wouldst thou block the course of justice 

now? 
The time is set, and there's no changing it. 
Yet I know thou dost concur in the law 
And all just penalties it doth inflict, 
So since it seems thy most gracious wish 
To hear the prisoner, I give him leave 
To plead his cause, a moment's time. 

Paul 
We all do stand before one God 
Who sits enthroned above the world 
And looks into the hearts of men. 
He it is pronounces judgment 
And there's none who can escape Him. 
Before Him ye shall stand or fall, — 
The God who made earth and heaven, 



@aul of Car0U0 225 

Who died for you and rose again 
And is now on high exalted, 
Whom ye afresh do crucify, 
Whom alone the Christians worship. 
Let me be charged with burning Rome, 
And search all hell to find a proof ; 
Tegellinus knows who did it, — 
Your Csesar is not ignorant. 

Tegellinus 
Hush this perjurer! Believe him not! 
How dare he speak against his king.'' 

Voice 
Away with this fanatic ! Crucify ! 

Voices 
We would hear the prisoner. 
Tegellinus 
Friends, Romans and fellow citizens, 
After most sober consideration 
We do adjudge the prisoner guilty. 
Which guilt, as you all well know, involves 
The taking of life ; and there's no retrieve. 
Beware! In this we do all Christians warn; 
For him the day of vengeance is at hand. 
Let the soldiers bear him without the gate. 
And there, in strict accordance with the law, 
Be firm and swift in dispatching him. 
Stain not this city with his cursed blood. 



226 Saul of Car0U0 

Many Voices 
Let the prisoner speak ! 

Other Voices 
We would hear him again ! 

Voices 
A word! 

Paul 
Be patient, my friends, and obey the law ; 
My prayers I bequeath to Tegellinus; 
My pardon to these perjured witnesses; 
My peace and hope to you, my brethren; 
My love and goodwill to my fellowmen ; 
And so, farewell! The God of peace be with 

you; 
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown. 

Tegellinus 
A crown, did he say? Away with the rogue! 
Would he now rob Caesar of his throne? 
A crown I Away with him ! Away with him ! 
Seize his followers that Caesar may have 
New lights for his garden ! The night is 
Coming on! Away! Away! Away!!! 
\_Ea:eunt'] 



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